While plans for a new model are still far from concrete, Ariel's head honcho Simon Saunders has revealed to PistonHeads that any new model that does eventuate will be as interesting as the current Ariel Atom, and will shock motorists just as much as the minimalist cars do today - but in a different way.
One aspect that’s set to change for the new vehicle will be its power source - rather than a conventional petrol engine it will likely use alternative power sources such as an electric motor. We've already seen an electric Ariel Atom in action, including this example built by Ian Wright that managed to decimate a Porsche Carrera GT in a drag race, but a factory-backed solution would be infinitely more appealing.
According to Saunders, other changes will lie in the fact that the new Ariel model won't be as bereft of side panels and a roof as the Atom. While it will be more of a conventional-looking vehicle, it also won't just be a standard sports car to rival models from the likes of Lotus and Noble. In fact, Saunders even went so far as to say that a possible new model would not even attempt to "take on the established manufacturers" but will instead be placed into a "totally new segment".
As the Atom, several changes are planned including some new features and options to satiate fans while they wait for the new model. The biggest upgrade will come in the form of a new 2.4L V8 engine that should give the already formidable Atom a power-to-weight ratio that nearly doubles that of the Bugatti Veyron.