UK-based niche automaker Ariel Motor Company rose to popularity with the launch of it lightweight racecar Atom. Five years ago, it released Nomad (see video), and today, announced a high-end Nomad R.
The original Nomad came powered by a 2.4-liter Honda engine rated at 238 hp (177 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. It also had a supercharged version boosted to 294 hp (219 kW) and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft). Both weighed in at just around 670 kilos (1,475 lbs).
The newcomer packs a different 2.0-liter Honda engine assisted by an Eaton supercharger and a water intercooler. It yields 340 hp (254 kW) at 7,600 RPM and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque at 5,500 RPM. This enables it to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.9 seconds – as opposed to the 3.4 seconds of the original Nomad. However, its top speed lies capped at 195 km/h (121 mph) instead of the original 201 km/h (125 mph).
The Ariel Nomad R rides on 18-inch alloys wrapped in Yokohama A052 rubber and features two-way adjustable Bilstein MDS shocks, four-piston Alcon brakes, a racing-grade six-speed sequential transmission (Sadev ST82-17), Atom 4 seats and enhanced cockpit ergonomics.
Ariel will build only five units priced at £64,500 each before taxes.