What do you get if you cross the Ariel Atom with an off-roader? The Ariel Nomad, the latest creation to come from the Somerset-based manufacturer.
Ariel is said to have been planning to release an Atom with knobbly tyres for some time, which explains why the Nomad uses the Atom’s space frame in addition to a roll cage in case you manage to flip it over.
Even though the Ariel Nomad swaps tarmac for mud, the engine is still incredibly potent. The Honda 2.4-litre engine in the Atom is used here to generate 235bhp and 221lb/ft of torque, which combined with a kerb weight of 670kg means 0 to 62mph in ‘around 3.5 seconds’.
A limited-slip differential and six-speed manual gearbox compliment a choice of five different tyre choices (road, all terrain, mud terrain, gravel/forest and sand/paddle), 15- to 18-inch wheels, adjustable Bilstein dampers and 300mm of ground clearance.
There’s also a roll-up roof for when the heavens open, making this the first Ariel to offer one. You can even spec a windscreen – you big wuss.
Ariel says the Nomad is ‘virtually unbreakable’ and that its obscenely low kerb weight helps counter the all-wheel drive nature of its competitors. Whether it will be as capable remains to be seen, but undoubtedly it will be a blast to drive.
Prices start from £27,500 plus VAT, with orders starting in the spring of 2015. A V8 version inspired by the Atom V8 is probably unlikely, but then again this is Ariel we’re talking about.
Ariel’s most recent creation was the Ace motorbike, which will go on sale in early 2015.
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