We first covered the Rezvani Beast last year, and while Rezvani had what looked like a refined design, engine and performance specs, and pricing information (including special "launch edition" packages) it took a while for the start-up to put rubber to asphalt. Its fully skinned Ariel Atom is now entering production and has a revised look, an Apple CarPlay-based infotainment system, and a few other new tricks up its sleeve.
The spirit of the Rezvani Beast remains unaltered from a year ago. It's a roadster that was "born on the track and designed for the road." That's not just marketing lingo, the car is an Ariel Atom 3 dressed up with a more road-friendly body and amenities. Starting with the base Atom, Rezvani reinforces the carbon steel chassis for increased rigidity and molds out a distinctive carbon fiber body.
The Beast maintains the overall look and form of last year's rendered design, but it gets a couple noticeable modifications. The front fascia has been further developed and creates downforce with a new set of inverted wings. The chassis-revealing hood cutouts on the original have been covered over, but still serve as functional high-pressure air outlets. We're sad to see the Atom chassis fully covered up, but the new face definitely has more personality than last year's Beast.
The big news in the Beast's development is the addition of Apple CarPlay, a feature that might feel a bit out of place amidst the carbon fiber of the track-inspired cockpit. However, it's one of those comforts that helps Rezvani make good on its promise of a road-friendly design, without adding much weight – the updated Beast weighs just 1,650 lb (750 kg), about 100 lb (45 kg) more than the estimated weight from last year.
The entry-level 300-hp option has completely vanished, leaving only the 500-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A supercharger and turbocharger help that engine reach its max output and push the lightweight, RWD Beast to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in just 2.7 seconds. The top speed is 165 mph (266 km/h).
Rezvani has built a Beast show car, which folks can check out by visiting its showroom in Costa Mesa, California. The car is available for order, and its price has spiked up to US$165,000 from last year's $135,000. Rezvani estimates a lead time of eight to 12 weeks.
"Unleash your inner beast" by hitting play on the video below.
Source: Rezvani Motors