Ariel, the renowned British automaker, is set to release the second generation of its popular off-road vehicle, the Nomad. The idea for the Nomad originated when an American customer contacted the company, expressing the desire for an Atom with more suspension travel. Although Ariel wasn’t prepared to fulfill that request at the time, the concept stayed with them until they introduced the Nomad in 2015. After gaining valuable experience from building hundreds of Nomads over the past decade and witnessing the surge in the off-road segment, Ariel is ready to unveil the Nomad 2.
The engineers at Ariel have made several significant improvements to the Nomad 2. They have enhanced the frame by using larger tubing, resulting in a 65% increase in stiffness. Despite expanding its footprint and having a longer wheelbase and wider track, the Nomad 2 still maintains its agility. The cockpit has also been redesigned to provide easier ingress, addressing a request made by original Nomad buyers.
Underneath the rear deck, the Nomad 2 boasts a Ford engine. Due to the increasing difficulty in sourcing the Honda K24 engines used in the first generation Nomad, Ariel made the switch to the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from the Ford Focus ST. The base model of the Nomad 2 features a detuned version of this engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking even more power, an optional upgrade is available, increasing output to either 302 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque or 305 horsepower and 382 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed sequential transmission.
Despite its power, the Nomad 2 remains lightweight, weighing around 1,550 pounds. It is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 100 mph achieved in 4.1 seconds. To ensure efficient braking, the Nomad 2 is equipped with larger rotors and ABS.
The suspension of the Nomad 2 has been significantly improved as well. The new suspension geometry and fully sealed bushings and ball joints provide 50% more travel and decrease squat, pitch, and wallow compared to the previous model. Standard features include K-tec dampers with Eibach dual-rate springs, but customers can opt for three-way adjustable Ohlins TTX dampers or Bilstein two-stage dampers for enhanced performance. The vehicle is offered with a range of wheel and tire options, catering to both on-road and off-road enthusiasts. For added agility, buyers can choose to include a hydraulic rally-style handbrake.
In terms of design, the body parts of the Nomad 2 are made from durable plastic, commonly used in safety cones. The interior offers improved livability with lightweight seats available in different widths or carbon fiber options. The Atom 4’s switchgear enhances usability and is accompanied by a full-color TFT display, featuring gear position and shift lights, data logging, and a reversing camera feed.
Ariel provides customers with over 100 customization options, allowing them to tailor the Nomad 2 to their preferences. These options range from a winch to in-cockpit brake bias controls. Although Ariel has not disclosed the price for the North American market, it is expected to be higher than the previous Nomad, which started in the mid $80,000s. Enthusiasts can anticipate a starting price of over $90,000 for the Nomad 2.
Overall, the second generation Nomad promises to deliver an exhilarating off-road experience with its enhanced performance, improved suspension, and customizable features. Its combination of power, lightweight construction, and versatility make it a top contender in the off-road vehicle market. Whether tackling rugged terrain or cruising down the open road, the Nomad 2 is poised to provide an unforgettable adventure for off-road enthusiasts.