The All-New, 1,180-Horsepower Electric Ariel Hipercar Is Here

The Ariel Hipercar joins the brand's Atom and Nomad electric cars. Despite being a prototype, the company claims the car's bodywork has production potential, and it will be another two years before the first units are delivered to customers. 

The exterior design of the Ariel Hipercar is dictated by the need to achieve drag efficiency and adequate cooling.  Both all-wheel drive (facilitated by four electric motors) and rear-wheel drive (supported by two motors) configurations will be made available.

The combined output of the four motors will be 1,180 horsepower. According to Ariel, the hypercar can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.09 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 4.4 seconds. A 62-kilowatt-hour battery supplied by Cosworth will provide the Hipercar with a WLTP-estimated range of 150 miles. Ariel will provide an optional Cosworth turbine range extender to increase this number.

The Ariel Hipercar is constructed of aluminum monocoque and carbon fiber body panels. The anticipated weight for the four motors model is 3,307 pounds, whereas the two-motor model would weigh less than 3,087 pounds. Regenerative braking, traction control, and torque vectoring can all be adjusted to the driver's preference. Although the final price is not yet known, the company hopes it will be less than £1 million.