The second generation model is available from £67,992 and will be seen for the first time at Goodwood.

Say hello to the Ariel Nomad 2, the second-generation model designed and engineered in-house by Ariel and improved in nearly every aspect, featuring an all-new chassis, suspension, steering, brakes and electronics. It also has new bodywork with better aerodynamics and is powered by a Ford Focus ST 2.3 litre turbo engine.

Design and Philosophy

The team at Ariel were told to improve the car wherever possible while retaining the company's ‘serious fun’ philosophy. An all-new built from the ground up, the Nomad 2 only features three parts seen on the previous model. Ariel Managing Director Henry Siebert-Saunders said the car was “the sum of our 25 years of automotive experience” and has been tested in the harshest environments before being deemed ready for production, from racetracks to rally stages, in blistering heat, monsoon rain, floods, mud and snow.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Nomad 2 is the new Ford 2.3 litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that replaces the outgoing 2.4 litre Honda engine. The Focus ST-derived engine gives out 305bhp and 518Nm of torque, an improvement on the 235bhp seen on the previous model and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with limited slip differential. For a different driving experience, this can be swapped for a six-speed paddle change Quaife sequential gearbox, derived from the Atom 4 and Atom 4R, and a hydraulic handbrake. A 40% increase in fuel capacity to 70 litres gives a range of more than 550 miles.

Chassis and Speed

The Nomad 2 is extremely lightweight at 715kg, allowing it to move from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 134 mph. This speed is handled by the all-new tubular chassis which is 60% stiffer than the previous model. The new chassis sees the wheelbase lengthened (+48mm) and track increased (+50mm) increasing high-speed stability off-road and also giving more cockpit space for the driver and potential passenger.

Suspension and Handling

After nearly 10 years of development, the suspension has been revised to give more travel and incorporate anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. This reduces weight transfer under acceleration and braking and maintains balance and tyre contact, which is particularly useful when going off-road. K-Tech coil-over aluminium dampers, made specifically for the Nomad 2, are fitted as standard with Eibach dual-rate springs.

Braking System

The all-new standard braking system has increased in size by 40% to account for the higher level of performance, with the option available for AP four-piston calipers and 290mm vented discs all around from the Ariel Atom 4.

Wheels and Tyres

Wheel sizes available range from 16-inch alloys, through 18-inch lightweight forged, to 16-inch Beadlock options. These can be fitted with a variety of tyres to suit the terrain you’re on while the tough, almost unbreakable bodywork for the Nomad 2 has been specifically created using materials suited to both on and off-road driving. The Nomad is clearly designed with off-roading in mind, incorporating drain holes in the floor to let water out and a raised intake snorkel above the passenger compartment feeding clean air to the intercooler and engine.

Customisation and Production

Each build can be tailored to the customer’s needs with more than 100 options available, meaning no two cars are the same. Every Nomad 2 is created to order by a single technician from bare chassis to the final test drive and is finished off with a personal nameplate signing off the build.

Production of the Nomad 2, alongside the Ariel Atom 4, Atom 4R and Dash e-bike, is set to begin at the Ariel factory near Crewkerne in Somerset with prices set at £67,992.

The Ariel Nomad 2 will make its global debut on Thursday 11th July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ariel