poita
29th February 2008, 02:54 PM
http://image.motortrend.com/f/car-news/ariel-atom-v8-500-horsepower-1-100-pounds/8080733+cr1+re0+ar1/ariel-atom-v8.jpg
If you thought the latest iteration of the Ariel Atom was wild, the U.K.-based sports car manufacturer has a new Atom that will likely leave you breathless. In response, no doubt, to the 500 horsepower Catherham 7 RS, Ariel is using the same supercharged, 10,000 rpm, 2.4-liter V-8 in its own road rocket -- a mighty improvement over the 245 horsepower, 2.0-liter VTEC Honda I4 in the current Atom 3. The engine, co-developed with RS Developments, will feature five valves per cylinder, a dry sump oil system, and a Sadev six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox.
More of a road-going formula car than anything else, the majority of the new Atom's bodywork will be made from carbon fiber -- helping to pare weight down to a paltry 1,102 lbs. Of course, that means that the car will feature a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 1,000 horsepower/ton. Very impressive stuff.
As would be expected, other components have been replaced or revised to cope with over double the power of the Atom 3. Four-piston Alcon brake calipers are found at all four corners, Dynamag wheels are fitted, the suspension wishbones get a new aerodynamic shape, and a rear wing gives the Atom some well-deserved downforce over the rear axle. Launch and traction control will both be fitted as standard -- a very good idea, we think.
No word yet on price or availability, but herer's a photo to ogle while you're waiting. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to polish up your race helmet. You're definitely going to need it to drive this windshield-less beast around.
If you thought the latest iteration of the Ariel Atom was wild, the U.K.-based sports car manufacturer has a new Atom that will likely leave you breathless. In response, no doubt, to the 500 horsepower Catherham 7 RS, Ariel is using the same supercharged, 10,000 rpm, 2.4-liter V-8 in its own road rocket -- a mighty improvement over the 245 horsepower, 2.0-liter VTEC Honda I4 in the current Atom 3. The engine, co-developed with RS Developments, will feature five valves per cylinder, a dry sump oil system, and a Sadev six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox.
More of a road-going formula car than anything else, the majority of the new Atom's bodywork will be made from carbon fiber -- helping to pare weight down to a paltry 1,102 lbs. Of course, that means that the car will feature a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 1,000 horsepower/ton. Very impressive stuff.
As would be expected, other components have been replaced or revised to cope with over double the power of the Atom 3. Four-piston Alcon brake calipers are found at all four corners, Dynamag wheels are fitted, the suspension wishbones get a new aerodynamic shape, and a rear wing gives the Atom some well-deserved downforce over the rear axle. Launch and traction control will both be fitted as standard -- a very good idea, we think.
No word yet on price or availability, but herer's a photo to ogle while you're waiting. In the meantime, it might be a good idea to polish up your race helmet. You're definitely going to need it to drive this windshield-less beast around.