Ariel announce the latest version of the Atom – the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a 2.4-liter V8 engine. With over 500bhp in a 500 kilogram 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.
after he found out you are hawc did he BAN you from the dealer???
Quote, originally posted by Wellington P Funk »
Looks like he tried to throw a pile of cash in the air and "make it rain". Due to the miniscule size of his cash pile, however, he only succeeded in making it lightly drizzle.
I will gladly give my left teste tomorrow for an atom 500 today
Quote, originally posted by Mike Solo »
Trying to navigate tight city streets in a car this size could be likened to anal sex: you've no idea if it's going to fit, and you're really hoping that nothing gets damaged in the process.
Quote, originally posted by robhurlburt »
maybe you missed the memo. VW is God. God created the MKIV, therfore, he created red.
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.
Thats pretty flippin sweet, though I imagine it is another one of those things that most of us will not see in person, let alone drive, even further own one.
I would propose that they create a closed cockpit version for 'enthusiasts' that want extra creature comforts... sort of like the bubble canopies found on the old WWII P-51 Mustang aeroplanes. Am I the only one? And yes I'm aware that I'm opening myself up for criticism.
So, here is my question, and I think it is pretty valid. How the hell do you get any traction? The tires don't look any bigger than the standard car.
The amount of static friction force is completely and utterly unrelated to the size of the tire contact patch but instead is directly related to the weight being applied to said tire (corner weight). The weight you have applied to the powered tire(s) in comparison with the total weight your trying to move plus the coefficient of friction of the tire equals the maximum amount of traction. And in the case of the Atom, they have this formula pretty much licked already.
Modified by sausagemit at 10:07 AM 2-28-2008
Quote, originally posted by Douglas Adams »
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
I used to be the proud owner of one of these cars powered with a 245hp eco-tec engine. It was the fastest car whereever it sat and quite frankly the mechanical equivilent to sex.
Now 500 HP? Sex with Paris Hilton and Angelina Jolie fighting over you for it.
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