Ariel’s HIPERCAR Ups The Ante With 1,180 Horespower

This is the first look at the forthcoming Ariel HIPERCAR.

It is an ultra high-performance electric hypercar with cutting edge agility and mind-blowing usability. And with the way the electric auto world is going — we’re a little concerned about running out of adjectives for “ultimate.”

Because, honestly, where do we go from here?

The Somerset, England-based Ariel had already blown our socks clean off with the mind-bending Atom, the rough-and-tumble Nomad and the two-wheeled Ace. But now they are back with the rapid-fire quick release of the HIPERCAR (HIgh PERformance CARbon Reduction).

It’s gunning with a heated and cooled lithium-ion battery pack with either 42 or 56 kWh of storage, supported by an unleaded gasoline-fueled 35-kW micro-turbine for added range extension.

Available in two- or four-wheel drive, the power breaks down like so: each motor is connected to a single-speed gearbox each with 295 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Translation: that 4WD model will weigh in with 1,180 ponies and 1,328 lb-ft of torque.

And in true psycho form, the HIPERCAR will hit 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds and top out at 160 mph. This is due in part to the light, bonded aluminum chassis and equally airy carbon composite-wrapped wheels.

No word yet on final looks or cost, but renderings — and the manufacturer’s history — let on that the aesthetic will kick just as much ass as the specs with a closed top and gullwing doors.

The official unveiling is set for 2019 with production starting the following year. That should give us just about enough time to come up with some befittingly wild descriptors.