Electric Ariel ups the ante

Somerset-based min now to unleash1180bhp all-electric ‘HI PER CAR’ in 2020

HIGH PERFORMANCE CARBON Reduction, or in Ariel Motor Company speak: HIPERCAR. 1180bhp, 1330lb ft, 0- 60mph in 2.4sec, 0-100mph in 3.8sec, 0-150mph in 7.8sec and 160mph of pure- electric, Somerset-built hypercar to take on the P1, Laferrari, 918 Spyder and Rimac Concept One.

Scheduled for production in 2020 alongside Ariel’s Atom, Nomad and Ace motorcycle, the HIPERCAR will be available with either two- or four-wheel drive. It will feature a single 295bhp, 332lb ft electric motor on each wheel, providing either 590bhp (2WD) or 1180bhp (4WD). Each motor will feature its own gearbox.

A cooperative of parties has joined forces for the project, from powertrain specialist GKN ( BMW i8 and Focus RS) to Delta Motorsport and Equipmake, the last of those being an electric-motor specialist based a stone’s throw from Lotus’s Hethel base. The overall consortium is steered by JCB and Alexander Dennis, the latter being the maker of buses and fire engines. It doesn’t take a genius to work out where the technology for the HIPERCAR will also be put to use.

Built around a bonded-aluminium tub, the chassis will feature unequal-length double wishbones and adjustable Bilstein coilover suspension. Stopping power will come courtesy of six-piston calipers and 370mm discs on the front axle. Dymag carbon-hybrid wheels will be fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. Brave pills, meanwhile, will be optional.