Ariel HIPERCAR: 1200 hp Electric Atom

Ariel is known for making face deforming Atoms and Desert beating Nomads, all fine and wonderful cars. But now Ariel is taking it to the big boys: the world of extreme performance hypercars like the raucous P1, the land missile that is the 918 and the blistering quick LaFerrari.

But that's not all, those 1200 horses are pure electric too, for that massive, instantaneous Tesla-like shove, but this time in a tiny Atom-esque track weapon. The vehicle, codenamed the P40, will be capable of 0-100mph in just 3.8sec, and is scheduled for production in 2020.

To put that time into perspective, the mad P1 takes a whole second more to reach 100 mph.

The HIPERCAR(High Performance Carbon Reduction) will be powered by inboard electric wheel-motors and a 750V battery pack, augmented by a petrol-fuelled 35kW micro-turbine range-extender to quell range anxiety.

Two versions will be made available – one with 4WD and one with 2WD.

The forecast acceleration times are startling: Ariel claims the flagship 4WD version will be capable of 0-60mph in 2.4sec, 0-100mph in 3.8sec(!) and 0-150mph in 7.8sec(The superfast Mclaren 720s needs this much to reach 125mph). Top speed is estimated at 160mph.

Ariel plans to offer a choice of forged or carbon composite wheels, with 265/35 R20 Michelin Pilot Cup tyres on the front and 325/30 R21 at the rear.

Unlike some EV and hybrid cars, the HIPERCAR won’t feature regenerative braking, ‘in order to maintain feel and consistency of the brake pedal at all states of battery charge.’ Brakes are by AP Racing six-pot calipers at the front and four-pot at the rear.

All in, we can expect a new breed of super high performance hypercars, what with the AMG Project One, the Aston Martin-Redbull Valkyrie and many others yet to be confirmed(Mclaren BP23, P15, and supposed hypercars from BMW and Audi).