Following yesterday’s report, Ariel has officially released details about its electric sports car project codenamed HIPERCAR.
Set to go into production in 2020, the high-performance model is a range-extended electric vehicle that has a 42 or 56 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is backed up by a 47 hp (35 kW) micro-turbine range extending engine.
The battery pack powers electric motors that each develop 295 hp (220 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Since the model can be equipped with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the combined output is 590 hp (440 kW) or 1,180 hp (880 kW).
In terms of performance, the car will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds, 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, and 0-150 mph (0-241 km/h) in 7.8 seconds. Shortly thereafter, the model will hit its top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).
The HIPERCAR will ride on a lightweight aluminum chassis and the model can be equipped with either forged or carbon composite wheels measuring 20-inches up front and 21-inches in the rear.
In a statement, Ariel’s Simon Saunders said “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.” He added, “This is the first true electric supercar that will cross continents, drive to town, and lap a race track.”
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