Ariel announces HIPERCAR, a bonkers 1,180hp lightweight micro-turbine electric beast
Ariel Motor Company, best known for the ultra-lightweight Atom sportscar, has just announced their plunge into electrification with their upcoming HIPERCAR, an ultra-high-performance range-extended electric supercar. In contrast to most plug-in hybrids, HIPERCAR won’t use a traditional engine as its “range extender,” instead opting for a 35kW micro-turbine generator.
The car’s specs look suitably insane – 1180hp total from 4 in-wheel motors, 0-60mph in 2.4 seconds, and 0-150mph in 7.8 seconds. That 0-150 time is nearly three seconds (!) faster than the Porsche 918.
Teaser images have been released, but the design has not been finalized. While no price has been announced, it will “represent excellent value” when compared to “£1m+ supercars which it will outperform.” The car will hit the road in 2020.