Ariel will build an even faster version of its Ace bike

In case you didn’t know, Ariel – Somerset’s scaffolding-on-wheels specialists – don’t just make several versions of the Atom, it likes to scare people on two wheels, too. Its current offering is called the Ace - a naked street bike with brutal performance and thuggish looks to match.

And now there’s an even quicker version called the Ace R, revealed here in an arty sketch, before making a proper debut at the NEC Motorcycle show that runs from 19-27 November. Ariel says it follow on from other limited edition models, such as the Atom V8 and Atom Mugen, and will feature a unique colour scheme, specification and “a lot of carbon, a lot of machined aluminium and a lot of power.”

Ariel isn’t ready to give away performance figures just yet, only that “it will feature a tuned V4 1200 Honda engine.” Given it comes with 174bhp as standard, hits 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 165mph, this is excellent/terrifying (delete as appropriate) news.

A price is yet to be revealed, but only 10 examples will be built, so rarity is assured. What’s the verdict then readers? Is this the perfect compliment to an Atom 3.5R in your garage?