Not only does the Ariel Hipercar look like it’s been stolen from the mean streets of Gotham, it’s also packing the ‘UK’s most powerful production powertrain’.
That’s according to the UK-based GKN Automotive, who helped to develop the 1,180bhp of electric oomph in the high-performance EV coupe.
Lotus might have something to say about that boast - with the upcoming all-electric Evija said to have a staggering 1,973 bhp on tap.
But for now there’s no denying the Ariel Hipercar’s performance stats.
That power, alongside 1,800 Nm of torque, translates to a 0-60mph time of 2.09 seconds, while it will sprint all the way to 100mph in just 4.4 seconds.
An Ariel spokesperson adds:
“With full torque vectoring these times will be improved so that sub 2 second times to 60mph and sub 4 seconds to 100mph are possible.”
Available as a four-wheel drive or a 590 bhp two-wheel drive variant, the Hipercar is powered by a Cosworth 800 Volt, 62kWh lithium-ion battery, with a range of around 150 miles.
You can recharge that battery at home or at a rapid charging station just like you would any other electric vehicle (EV).
But what’s really interesting is that the Hipercar also gets the option of a Cosworth 35kW ‘Catalytic Generator’ turbine range extender to ‘charge the battery on the move’.
So, in effect, if you opt for the ‘Cat Gen’ turbine, you essentially turn the Ariel Hipercar into a plug-in hybrid, with the turbine running on traditional fuel, most likely petrol.
Ariel, based in Crewkerne, Somerset, says the turbine works to negate ‘any range anxiety issues and making the vehicle independent of any charging infrastructure.
Ariel is, of course, best known for its face-melting Atom and Nomad track weapons, both of which have an exposed cabin.
The Hipercar, on the other hand, is Ariel’s first ever fully-enclosed vehicle, meaning it could appeal to a whole new array of clients.
The Hipercar made its show debut at the UK Government Pavilion at this year’s Cenex-LCV.
How much will it cost? Ariel says it’ll have a ‘sub-£1million’ price tag.
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