The 2015 Ariel Nomad has got to be one of the most exciting new cars in the world right now. Its arrival was as unexpected as it is insane. Built by Ariel,->ke563 traditionally a purveyor of the famously minimalist track-day cars,->ke564 the Nomad is basically a full-size version of the R.C. dune buggy you had when you were a kid. Henry Catchpole from EVO Magazine recently scored a test drive in one and brought a few video cameras along for posterity.

It’s just as unhinged as you hoped would be. The Honda-sourced->ke34 2.4-liter engine produces 235 horsepower, and with just 1,477 pounds to move around, it’s brutally quick: 0-60 in in just 3.4 seconds. Because the Nomad in this video->ke278 is Ariel’s demo car, Henry wasn’t able to take it offroad, but even with its high ride height, offroad tires and softer suspension, its on-road dynamics are surprisingly good. We can’t wait to see what this thing can do in its natural habitat.

Ariel will also offer a range of accessories for the Nomad, including a fabric cabin cover, spare tire, Warn winch and Bluetooth intercom system for longer excursions. So, it should be fun see how customers end up speccing their Nomads.

2015 Ariel Nomad

Read our full review here.