Ariel Atom 500

[TheIntrepid]

Ariel announce the latest version of the Atom ? the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a small V8 engine. With over 500bhp in a 500kilo package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production car, ever. At over 1000bhp per tonne the Atom 500 will be the ultimate statement in performance and is destined to be made in a limited edition.

The V8 powered Atom is the first of some exciting developments from Ariel due to be released though 2008 and builds on the growing reputation that the company has for putting the passion back into driving and producing cars that are fun to drive as well as fast both on and off the track.

The 500 started life as a one off special project with RS Developments in 2007 and features the Russell Savory designed 2.4 litre V8 engine coupled to a 6 speed sequential Sadev gearbox. Developing over 500bhp at 10,000rpm the supercharged engine features all alloy construction, 5 valves per cylinder and a dry sump. The gearbox will have flatshift capability, a paddle gearchange with manual override as well as launch and traction controls.

Recognisable by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers the Atom 500 will feature a unique colour scheme for chassis, wheels and bodywork combined with carbon fibre panels and carbon fibre aerofoils. Other features will include chromemoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon 4 pot caliper brakes and Dymag magnesium wheels.

Said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, ?This is an interesting project for us and an experimental departure from what we normally produce. For a few customers the Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car. We also use this sort of project to explore the possibilities of how we can improve our standard cars. The Honda engined production cars already combine all the elements that we want in an Atom and by pushing the envelope to these sorts of extremes we can further improve the breed?.

The Atom 500 will be produced in Somerset at the new Ariel factory with the first car available from Spring this year. Prices have not yet been finalised but Ariel?s commitment to performance for value will ensure that the Atom 500 is competitive in cost as well as performance.

With the standard Atom 300 already achieving sub 3 second times to 60mph and sub 7 second times to 100mph, the 500 will take this one stage further with record breaking production car possibilities.

[sandertheshark]

This is unholy.  I am pleased.

[Lebowski]

Awesome.  I love the Atom.

[LonghornTX]

Maybe I am just kind of old school in my track-day special preferences, but I like the new Caterham model, the Seven RS, better than this.  I think it utilizes the same engine setup and also utilizes a 6-speed sequential:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/caterham-seven-rs.html#more-6647

[Lebowski]

Maybe I am just kind of old school in my track-day special preferences, but I like the new Caterham model, the Seven RS, better than this.  I think it utilizes the same engine setup and also utilizes a 6-speed sequential:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/caterham-seven-rs.html#more-6647

I would take either one.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

look forward to clarksons review, he better get the wrinkle cream out.

[Cookie Monster]

That's insane!
I'd rather have the Caterham 7 RS though. They both weigh the same (1,150 lbs!) but IMO the Caterham looks cooler.

[565]

The gold wheels and tube frame are a bit too

[Soup DeVille]

The gold wheels and tube frame are a bit too

Well, since that's not gold, but a cadmium-zinc coating that's been used on race cars for thirty years to protect aluminum under high heat conditions (Check out the wheels on any IMSA GTP car from the '70s or '80s), I'd say it gets a pass.

[565]

Well, since that's not gold, but a cadmium-zinc coating that's been used on race cars for thirty years to protect aluminum under high heat conditions (Check out the wheels on any IMSA GTP car from the '70s or '80s), I'd say it gets a pass.

That's a nice theory except for one glaring problem.

The tube chassis of the Ariel Atom is steel not aluminum.

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0711_sccp_2007_ariel_atom_2/ariel_atom_engine.html

"The vehicle's construction features a strong and highly visible skeleton frame comprised of steel tubing-hand-welded by torch-wielding sorcerers with race car building experience. This frame provides excellent suspension performance and also a high degree of collision protection for the two occupants. "

[Soup DeVille]

That's a nice theory except for one glaring problem.

The tube chassis of the Ariel Atom is steel not aluminum.

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0711_sccp_2007_ariel_atom_2/ariel_atom_engine.html

"The vehicle's construction features a strong and highly visible skeleton frame comprised of steel tubing-hand-welded by torch-wielding sorcerers with race car building experience. This frame provides excellent suspension performance and also a high degree of collision protection for the two occupants. "

Oh, okay then.

Well, maybe it's trying to look like an old race car then?

You have to admit, it aint highly polished blingy gold at least.

[sportyaccordy]

I would like it more if they put some kind of shell over it. Even if it looked like a giant R/C car

[sandertheshark]

I must see this race a Caparo T1.

[omicron]

That Caterham is wonderful!

[r0tor]

I wish they could just sell a base Atom with reasonable performance for <$20k... would be a thrifty and fun commuter for non-rainy days

[Raza]

I wish they could just sell a base Atom with reasonable performance for <$20k... would be a thrifty and fun commuter for non-rainy days

Buy a Westfield.  Sure, the engine's in the wrong place, but it has a trunk and a top.  If you can do the work yourself, you could skate through for about 20 grand.

[Soup DeVille]

I wish they could just sell a base Atom with reasonable performance for <$20k... would be a thrifty and fun commuter for non-rainy days

WCM S2K Ultralite.

[r0tor]

i don't like the super 7 replicas... my experience seems they just feel like poorly hobbled together engines on wheels