Ariel Nomad Revolutionizes Off-Road Escapades

Ariel Nomad 2: A More Robust Off-Road Beast

Ariel has completely overhauled their famed off-road sports car, the Nomad. Although it retains its iconic look, the new Nomad comes with a freshly designed chassis and powertrain. Ariel is yet to confirm the U.S. release date for this revamped version.

A Complete Overhaul

Ariel’s original Nomad, launched in 2015 and arriving stateside a year later, was a rugged variant of the Ariel Atom. The second-generation model, known as the Nomad 2, maintains its predecessor’s skeletal aesthetic. However, almost every component has been upgraded—chassis, suspension, steering, brakes, electronics, bodywork, and interior, all tweaked based on customer feedback and Ariel’s recent developments.

Enhanced Chassis and Stability

The Nomad 2 sticks with a tubular chassis but now boasts 60% more torsional rigidity due to larger diameter main and diagonal tubes. Its wheelbase has been extended by 1.8 inches, making entry and exit easier and adding more space to the car. Additionally, the track width has been increased by 1.9 inches, which Ariel claims significantly improves high-speed stability on rough terrains. The new power distribution management system eliminates the need for multiple fuses, relays, and bulky fuse boxes.

Powerful New Heart

Unlike the first model that primarily utilized Honda engines, the Nomad 2 switches to a Ford-sourced 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine can be programmed to different power outputs: 260 horsepower with 283 pound-feet of torque, 302 horsepower with 332 pound-feet, or 305 horsepower with 382 pound-feet. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential or a Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox. The Ariel Nomad 2 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 134 mph.

Advanced Suspension and Brakes

The suspension system on the Nomad 2 provides longer travel compared to its predecessor. Standard features include K-Tech aluminum coilovers and Eibach dual-rate springs, with optional upgrades to Ohlins TTX springs and dampers or a more extreme "full race" setup with Bilstein two-stage remote reservoir dampers. The braking system, derived from the Ariel Atom 4, offers driver-adjustable anti-lock brakes and 40% larger brakes than the original Nomad. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to 18-inch forged or 16-inch beadlock wheels.

Sleek Yet Functional Minimalism

The Nomad 2 retains its minimalist bodywork but introduces functional enhancements. The snorkel air intake, designed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the header rail facilitate better airflow. The header rail also serves as a mount for sun visors and additional LED lights. Despite its minimalist design, a rack system is available to store luggage, a spare wheel, or even two bikes.

Price and Availability

In its home market, the Nomad 2 starts at £56,660 before taxes, approximately $72,808 at current exchange rates. However, Ariel has yet to announce when it will be available in the United States.

Conclusion

The Ariel Nomad 2 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a substantial evolution of its predecessor. With improved rigidity, better powertrain options, enhanced stability features, and advanced suspension and braking systems, the Nomad 2 is poised to offer an exceptional off-road experience. Keep an eye out for updates on its U.S. availability, and visit Automotive.fyi for the latest in automotive news.

Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi

For more updates, follow us on Twitter and send any news tips to tips@automotive.fyi.