Skip to main content

The Rezvani Beast X wrings an ungodly 700 horsepower from a 2-liter four-cylinder

With supercar performance and minimalist, carbon-fiber bodywork, the Rezvani Beast is already … well, a beast. But Ferris Rezvani and company thought there was still more potential to extract from their creation, so they made something even beastlier.

The Rezvani Beast X is ready to terrorize road and track with 700 horsepower. That’s a 200-horsepower gain over the previous most powerful version of the car’s tuned 2.0-liter, four-cylinder Honda engine. It also means the Beast X makes nearly the power of a Dodge Hellcat, but with half the cylinders.

To accomplish that, Rezvani added a pair of new turbochargers and a new intercooler. A six-speed manual transmission remains standard, although a sequential gearbox with paddle shifters is also available. Rezvani also upgraded the chassis to handle the extra power, added features like a new 10-way adjustable suspension system.

The Beast X is still based on the Ariel Atom, with carbon-fiber bodywork draped over the that car’s skeletal chassis. The new model gets revised front and rear fasciae, side wings, and dual rear wings to add downforce and keep the car planted. Rezvani says some of the aerodynamic elements also help cut drag.

The car gained about 200 pounds in its evolution, but still weighs just 1,850 pounds. That’s not much for 700 horsepower to push, and sure enough Rezvani quotes a 0-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds, or 0.2 second faster than the previous, 500-horsepower Beast 500.

If you’re wondering about the practicality of a flyweight two-seater with 700 horsepower, you’re probably missing the point. Rezvani certainly doesn’t consider the Beast X to be a mass-market item, as it only plans to make five copies. They’re starting at $325,000 each. Owners will get “free access to a number of tracks around the country” to wring out their cars, Rezvani says.

The carmaker also says the Beast X marks the beginning of a new “X” division, which will specialize in special projects related to motorsports, personalization, and generally making Rezvani cars more extreme. How the boffins are going to top this one remains to be seen.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more