Ariel's Atom is finally available with V8 power after three years of development. The result has been worth waiting for too, as the limited Edition model comes with a 3.0-litre V8 engine with 500bhp. Combine that with the super lightweight Atom and the output is an extraordinary 900bhp-per-tonne, nearly double that of a
Bugatti Veyron. The result is an extremely rapid Atom, with a 0-62mph time of about 2.5 seconds and 100mph in just over double that. Ariel claims the top speed is up to 200mph depending on the gearing.
Just 25 V8 Atoms will be built, with each of the engines individually tested, numbered and signed off for each car. The new engine drives through a six-speed paddle-shifted sequential gearbox and limited slip differential. Suspension revisions include aerofoil-sectioned wishbones and lighter magnesium wheels to reduce the unsprung weight. New instrumentation, plus adjustable traction control and gearbox settings, and a data logging facility for track use are also included with the V8.
As if crazy performance isn't enough to mark it out as special the V8 Atom gets a unique gold powder coat finish to its chassis. The chassis itself has been strengthened and every limited edition model also comes with front and rear adjustable carbon-composite wings as standard. All but a handful of the 25 being built are already sold. If you want one of the last ones you'll need £150,000, and although that might sound steep we imagine the first time you hit the accelerator you'll appreciate that you've spent wisely.
Kyle Fortune - 13 Sep 2010