Ariel, well known for its extremely lightweight and extremely fast bare-bones cars, is going to build an electric sports car codenamed HIPERCAR, set to go into production in 2020.

This new car will be powered by four electric motors that generate a combined output of 1,180 hp and 1,800 Nm of torque. It will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, 0-161 km/h in 3.8 seconds and 0-241 km/h in 7.8 seconds and have a top speed of 257 km/h. The 750 Volt, 42 kWh or 56kWh, lithium-ion, cooled and heated battery pack can be charged by a 47 hp micro-turbine range extender.   

HIPERCAR will be built with aluminium, including the chassis and suspension. The forged or carbon composite wheels will carry 20-inch tyres for the front and 21-inch tyres for the rear.

Ariel will launch the 4WD version first, but a 590 hp rear-wheel drive edition will also be available. Ariel seems to be pretty confident in the HIPERCAR. “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,” founder Simon Saunder said in a statement. “This is the first true electric supercar that will cross continents, drive to town and lap a race track.”