The insane Ariel Hipercar is an 1180hp EV with a jet turbine range extender
Published on Sep 02, 2022 at 3:17 PM (UTC+4)
by Patrick Jackson
Last updated on Sep 27, 2022 at 2:44 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
After five years in the making, Ariel has lifted the lid on its most insane creation yet – the Hipercar.
The British company first announced plans to develop the insane EV back in 2017, but a lack of funding meant it would take some time.
However, the UK government came to the party and funded its development as it looks to have more electric vehicles produced in the UK.
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The Hipercar name has a bit of a double meaning – not only is it a hypercar, but it stands for high-performance carbon reduction.
‘High-performance’ is something it certainly has in spades.
It packs four electric motors – one for each wheel – making an insane 1180hp (880kW) and 1820Nm.
That makes it good for 0-97km/h (0-60mph) in just 2.09 seconds, and 0-161km/h (0-100mph) in a mere 4.42 seconds.
There will also be a rear-wheel drive model which will make 590hp (440kW) and 898Nm.
Being electric, you might wonder what the big air scoop on the roof is for.
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That’s there for its most impressive feature – a jet turbine that acts as a range extender.
Normally, the Ariel Hipercar will only manage 241km (150mi) per charge with its 62.2kWh battery.
Ariel Hipercar jet turbine range extender
The jet engine made by Cosworth will add an extra 47hp (35kW) and spin at 110,000rpm, although it’s not clear how much range it will add.
While the turbine is optional, standard equipment includes Bilstein suspension, big AP Racing brakes, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
And of course, you can’t go passed the absolutely crazy styling.
With its huge air ducts, fins, and splitters, it’s sure to provide the sort of grip that Ariel’s cars are known for.
Ariel fans might be shocked to learn how much it weighs.
At around 1400kg (3087lbs) for the RWD model and 1500kg (3307lbs) for the AWD version, it’s more than twice the weight of Ariel’s second heaviest car – the 670kg (1477lb) Nomad off-roader.
However, the rest of its performance figures leave little to argue with.
Pricing is yet to be revealed, but Ariel aims to price it under $1.15 million (£1 million).
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A car zealot from a young age, Patrick has put his childhood spent obsessing over motoring magazines and TV shows to good use over the past six years as a journalist. Fuelled by premium octane coffee, he’s contributed to Finder, DriveTribe, WhichCar, Vehicle History and Drive Section.
