Despite its size, the Ariel Atom can do a lot of amazing things. Performing well on off-road locations happens to not be one of them. And while you might be able to rig up an Atom to run through harsh terrains with a lot of work, we have a feeling you’d be better served driving the Ariel Nomad instead.
The newest ride from the Ariel Motor Company, it takes the Atom’s deftly-engineered sports car capabilities and crams it inside a modern off-road buggy. It uses the same design philosophy, the same high-speed drivetrain, and the same proven components as the Atom, but pairs it with enough toughness and durability to run through deserts, jungles, and other locations you’d normally trek on a 4×4 or ATV (or a wheelchair ATV with an articulated chassis, if you’re bored with the usual options).
Like their original car, the Ariel Nomad is built around a visible tubular chassis that’s made from bronze-welded steel with a powder-coated finish. It’s powered by Honda’s 2.4-liter, four-cylinder K24 iVTEC engine, which produces 235 bhp and 221.2 pound-feet of torque, enough to let it hit speeds of up to 125 mph and complete a 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. A fully-adjustable wishbone suspension allows it to accommodate a variety of driving types, whether you’re crawling over rocky terrain, running through mountain tracks at high-speeds, or driving on the road on your way back to the hotel.
Keeping all that power in check is a set of 240mm ventilated disc brakes that can be adjusted for front or rear balance, with wheel options from 15 to 18 inches. Interior is simple and minimalist, with a pair of lightweight waterproof seats, an LCD screen for instrument readings, and indicator lights. The entire interior can be simply washed down for cleaning.
Production for the Ariel Nomad is scheduled in the first half of the year, with pricing set at £27,500.
