diff --git a/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-new-kernel.nix b/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-new-kernel.nix
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..1340b9787ca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-new-kernel.nix
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{ config, pkgs, ... }:
+
+{
+  require = [ ./installation-cd-graphical.nix ];
+
+  boot.kernelPackages = pkgs.linuxPackages_3_0;
+  boot.vesa = false;
+}
diff --git a/release.nix b/release.nix
index 0a414fd9ccb..44d87e154cd 100644
--- a/release.nix
+++ b/release.nix
@@ -130,6 +130,13 @@ let
       type = "graphical";
     };
 
+    # A variant with a more recent (but possibly less stable) kernel
+    # that might support more hardware.
+    iso_new_kernel = makeIso {
+      module = ./modules/installer/cd-dvd/installation-cd-new-kernel.nix;
+      type = "new-kernel";
+    };
+
 
     # Provide a tarball that can be unpacked into an SD card, and easily
     # boot that system from uboot (like for the sheevaplug).