There’s a brand new Nomad on the town. U.Ok.-based Ariel Motor has simply launched the second era of its stripped-down off-roader, and nearly the one factor it shares with the primary one is its philosophy: Ship severe dangerous highway enjoyable.
Ariel Motor Firm first launched the Nomad in 2015. Like the corporate’s Atom sports activities automobile, it wasn’t rather more than two seats, a tube body, and an engine. The Nomad 2 isn’t rather more than that, however Ariel says it’s higher than ever.
Ariel Nomad 2 Will get Stronger Chassis
The Ariel Nomad 2 begins with a brand new tube chassis that the corporate constructed with bigger diameter tubing. Larger tubes make the automobile 60% stiffer than earlier than, however extra engineering evaluation and classes realized from the primary one helped the corporate maintain the burden down.
Ariel realized about extra than simply making the automobile stronger. The Nomad has a bigger opening for getting out and in. The wheelbase is longer, too, so there’s more room when you’re inside.
Nomad 2 Snags Ford ST Engine
However the Nomad 2 isn’t about cabin area and luxury; it’s about going quick on tough terrain. So, the outdated Honda engine has been changed by a 2.3L turbo-four from Ford. It’s the fundamental engine used within the Euro Focus ST, however Ariel tweaked it to make 305 horsepower — and a frankly silly 382 pound-feet of torque.
Why is that a lot energy a bit bit silly? As a result of the Nomad 2 solely weighs 1,576 kilos. What you had for breakfast is sufficient to make a distinction to the power-to-weight ratio, which may hit 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. Ariel allows you to flip it down, although. A switchable ECU allows you to decide 260 horses or 302 as a substitute, with decrease torque at every setting.
Nomad 2 has an even bigger radiator to deal with extra excessive temperatures. It has a rock-protected intercooler with roof-mount ducting and a twin filter system for the engine air consumption. It holds extra gasoline, too, and Ariel says it will possibly now go 550 miles on a tank.
Unhealthy, Badder, Baddest Suspension Choices
Ariel actually exhibits off its suspension, which has much more journey than the first-generation mannequin. Ok-Tech dampers with Eibach springs come normal, however Ohlins TTX dampers with exterior reservoirs and three-way adjustment are on the choices listing. For those who’re planning some actually excessive off-roading, Ariel provides a Bilstein full-race system.
The ultra-minimal Nomad doesn’t have many physique panels, however many of the panels it does have are molded-in-color polyethylene. Ariel says they’re nearly unbreakable. A couple of panels, just like the cargo covers, have carbon fiber choices as a substitute of the usual polyethylene.
Quick overhangs and nearly no bodywork give the Nomad 2 spectacular off-road numbers. It has a 48-degree method angle and an incredible 64-degree departure angle. Ariel doesn’t quote a floor clearance determine, however wanting on the pictures and a few tire dimension math suggests there’s a foot or extra.
It additionally carries a digital sprint with information logging and even comes with a backup digital camera.
Get It Muddy, Hose the Ariel Nomad 2 Out
There isn’t a lot of a cockpit, however it’s designed to be useful. There are drain holes within the ground so you’ll be able to hose it out. The Nomad 2 additionally doesn’t have any cloth trim to carry water. Additionally, the seats are hard-shelled and primarily based on those within the newest Atom. They will settle for a crotch strap for actually severe or race use.
A minimum of for now, the Ariel Nomad 2 will not be authorized for the highway within the U.S., although it’s in many of the remainder of the world. However that’s one of many Nomad’s greatest options: It doesn’t want roads.
This little buggy is designed to be completely happy on grime, gravel, sand, and any terrain you’ll be able to throw at it. It’s solely two-wheel drive, however no less than Ariel provides a winch in case you ship it a bit too laborious.