The Rezvani Beast is, well, a beast. Based on the Ariel Atom, it’s a lightweight sports car from a small California company that is available with up 700 horsepower. With the car’s performance credentials established, Rezvani sought to add some beauty to this Beast.
At the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Rezvani unveiled the Beast Alpha, an enclosed coupe counterpart to the existing Beast roadster. The roof is actually a removable Targa-style panel, so drivers can still enjoy a little open-air motoring. The Alpha boasts what may be the craziest doors on any production car. Called “SideWinder” doors, they pop out and slide forward. The Beast roadster doesn’t have any doors at all.
At 1,950 pounds, the Beast Alpha weighs about 300 pounds more than the open-top Beast, but it’s still a lightweight. Unlike other versions of the Beast, which are based on the Ariel Atom, the Alpha uses a Lotus chassis. Because of its enclosed cockpit, the Alpha gets some luxuries the Beast roadster doesn’t have, including air conditioning and power windows. All versions of the Beast are available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Power comes courtesy of a Honda-sourced 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger. The Beast Alpha has 500 hp, and can do 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, according to Rezvani. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while an automated sequential gearbox is optional. Drivers also get multiple settings for things like power output and traction control intervention.
If the Beast Alpha seems too tame, Rezvani still offers the Beast X, a 700-hp version of the Beast roadster that can do 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. It doesn’t have the Alpha’s trick doors, but its acceleration will rip your face off.
The Rezvani Beast Alpha is available to order now, with a starting price of $200,000.
