The Ariel Nomad is already one of the craziest street-legal off-roaders in the world, but the UK-based company continues to push the limits. Last year, a bonkers one-off all-electric version was built as sort of an experiment and display of its electrification capabilities. And now Ariel has revealed a new but ultra-limited Nomad.
Presenting the Ariel Nomad R, a 335-horsepower supercharged off-roader you're definitely going to want but sadly can't have. Production is limited to only five hand-built examples. What's different about it compared to the "standard" Nomad? Instead of the Nomad's Honda-sourced 2.4-liter engine, the Nomad R is powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the previous generation Honda Civic Type R.
However, that engine has been bolted to an Ariel-built supercharger for a grand total of 335 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tarmac rally specification 6-speed sequential gearbox. Ariel claims a 0-60 mph time of less than 3 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph. This makes it the fastest and most powerful Nomad to date.
The gearbox (which is also found in the Ariel Atom 3.5R) can upshift in as little as 40 milliseconds and downshifts in only 50 milliseconds. This enables clutchless shifting acceleration and deceleration with absolute ease. Full flat acceleration is made easy because drivers don't have to lift their foot off the throttle.
But driving on the pavement is not this Ariel's main goal. With its 18-inch lightweight wheels wrapped in Yokohama rubber, Ariel also fitted the Nomad R with 4 piston calipers and 2-piece ventilated discs front and rear with adjustable brake bias when off-road.
Other cool features include adjustable Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and a new set of lightweight bucket seats. The bodywork is actually a combination of composite and rotationally molded parts though Ariel says so-called high vulnerability areas have been designed to take all sorts of abuse. The exterior is finished off with special "Nomad R" graphics.
Because only five examples are planned, buyers have a wide range of customization options. Pricing begins at £64,500, not including VAT. According to current exchange rates, that's about $81,500 each.
Interested? If so, don't hesitate because first come, first served.