CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/532917
CompositesWorld.com 35 NEWS N E W S N S N E W S E N W S W Classic Curves for Bespoke Beauty Tat said, Trident's manufacturing philosophy is the antithesis of Henry Ford's one-color-fts-all philosophy. Icenis are available in any paint color and nearly any color leather interior — even the contrast stitching option on interior trim and seating uses two twisted strands to produce double-color accent stitching (that will be trademarked). Furthermore, the twin double-bubble shaped "Occulite" polycarbonate roof panels are available in six colors. Tey enhance visibility, extend headspace, protect occupants in a rollover, and store in the boot/trunk when not in use. (Te car can be driven with one or both removed and, reportedly, the aero- dynamics are so good, occupant hairdos remain undisturbed!) Further, each model can be had plain or dressed up with one of three engine options, front and rear wing vents, side exhausts, and/or twin plenums protruding through the hood (paired with a twin-turbo-charged engine upgrade). Each vehicle can be further customized through four upgrade packages: track performance; premium-, performance-, and luxury-upgrade packages. And that's only the beginning. In fact, Icenis feature more than 39 bespoke components — 67% of the car — that are designed and built by the Trident team, including chassis, body panels, wheels, seats, instruments, engine electronic- control module (ECU), gearbox, diferential, transaxle, roof panels, head/taillights, and grilles for what the company describes as a "truly unique performance-motoring experience." Each chassis, for example, is formed from a low-chrome/low-carbon stainless steel that is easily repaired, recyclable and guaranteed for 100 years (see the Side Story on p. 33). Bevan says every car is built to meet customer needs. Sales are done direct, not through dealers. "We're in touch with our customers from beginning to end. It's nearly impossible for us to make two Icenis exactly the same." 5 Parts are cured in a paint-spray booth (without vacuum) for 4 hours at 70°C. After demolding and degreasing, a polyester spray fller is used to smooth out imperfections, then inner and outer panels are bonded, using a methacrylate adhesive. 6 Next, parts are primed with a two-part system, and the part's B-surface is painted. 7 After finishing, panels are adhesively bonded to the chassis in 24 locations, using top-hat sections. Finally, panel A-surfaces are painted. Source (all step photos) | Trident Sports Cars Ltd.