What's all this about?
The madcap Ariel Atom super-lightweight track cars have, in the 21st century, always used Honda engines. Well, with 1,500 Honda-powered Ariels having left the tiny Somerset factory since the year 2000, the good news is that the two companies have announced a continuing, exclusive tie-up.
Meaning all Ariels for the foreseeable will be Honda-powered?
Correct. The Atom uses a Civic Type R engine, although not the turbocharged unit of the latest model but the older, still-magnificent K20A. This comes in either 245hp normally aspirated guise or with a supercharger, for either 310- or 350hp. That can result in 0-62mph times of less than 2.7 seconds, which is pretty brisk, and a top speed of more than 155mph. Impressive stuff, given your face can be exposed to the elements while driving.
So does that off-roading Ariel thing get the CTR lump?
The Nomad? No, that uses a 2.4-litre Civic engine instead. It's still a belting piece of kit, though, despite its lack of Type R power. Ariel also does a motorcycle called the Ace, which - yes, you've guessed it - is propelled by a V4 1,237cc Honda engine of 173hp, leading to a 165mph top speed.
What do the Ariel people have to say about this accord (sorry...) with Honda?
Simon Saunders, the founder of the tiny performance car company, said: "Our customers are hugely passionate about driving so the engine is everything. When we tell new customers that it's a Honda, they simply nod and move on to the next question. They just know that it works. Switching to Honda engines is one of the best decisions that we've ever made. It's a brand that can't be matched for performance and bulletproof reliability, and we're delighted that this success is set to continue well into the future."
And Honda?
Philip Crossman, managing director of Honda (UK), added: "The Ariel brand is an incredible British success story with a fascinating history and pedigree in producing bespoke machines which driving fans love. The two brands are a perfect match - not least with our common engineering expertise and reputation for unrivalled performance, reliability and durability. With the engine such a key factor, it's a huge endorsement for Honda that Ariel chooses ours over others and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years to come."
Matt Robinson - 14 Mar 2016