Ariel's 1,180BHP Hypercar - Are you sitting comfortably?

Yes, you did read that correctly. The company known for making it's utterly bonkers lightweight rocket cars is about to dive head first into the world of the hypercar. So what do you need to know about Ariel's latest project? Well it's 1,180bhp electric powered monster with a 0-100mph time of just 3.8 seconds... JUST 3.8 SECONDS! However, it trades that insane acceleration for topspeed of just 160mph. It also weighs about 1,500KG.

Standing for High Performance Carbon Reduction, the project is destined for full release in 2019 and Ariel production in 2020 alongside the Atom, Nomad and Ace. As with other Ariel vehicles the focus of "HIPERCAR" is on extreme performance, agility and usability, now coupled with zero and ultra-low emissions.

Oddly enough, it will be available in both RWD and 4WD so who knows! We may see a hyper-driftcar in the near future? Hoonigan we're looking at you... The car is Electric Vehicle featuring a 750 Volt, 42 kWh or 56kWh, lithium-ion, cooled and heated battery pack which is charged, when required, by a 35kW micro-turbine range extender, negating any range anxiety issues and making the vehicle independent of any charging infrastructure.

the final exterior design of which is to be released at a later date. Based around an aluminium folded and bonded lightweight chassis with full rollover protection, the structure features aluminium front and rear subframes carrying aluminium wishbones and outboard adjustable suspension.

So, you've still got time to submit your coffee napkin designs for the final version. Pricing will not be finalised until later in the project.

Simon Saunders said: “Like other Ariels we want HIPERCAR to represent excellent value for money for the remarkable performance on offer. It will be an expensive car because of the technology involved but when compared to £1m+ supercars, which it will outperform, it’s going to represent excellent value for money. This is the first true electric supercar that will cross continents, drive to town and lap a race track”.

We're looking forward to seeing what Ariel come up with the final design!