February29
Yesterday, we told you about the 500 horsepower Caterham Seven RS that delivers an amazing 1000 horsepower per ton. As it turns out, the Caterham won’t be the only puristic two-seater to make use of this engine. That’s because Ariel has announced the Atom 500, which uses the same 2.4-liter V8 from RS Performance.
The peak output of 500 horsepower is achieved at an amazing 10,000 rpm. Peak torque is 300 pound-feet at 8,500 rpm. The engine, which is worth over $200,000 alone, is mated to a six-speed Sadev transmission with paddle shifters.
The Atom 500 features a unique color scheme for chassis, wheels and bodywork combined with carbon fibre panels and carbon fibre aerofoils. Other features include chromoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon four-piston brake calipers, and Dymag magnesium wheels.
“This is an interesting project for us and an experimental departure from what we normally produce,” said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel. “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 Atom 500 is produced in Somerset at the new Ariel factory located there.
WANT
So my ? is who is going to be the first to kill themselves in either this or the Caterham RS?
I probably would be if I could take one of these out on the track.
I N S A N E
I’m sure the guys at Ariel can sort all this out, but does anyone know anything about the weight difference between this and the standard Honda engine?
Fantastic, but futile. You would have zero competition on the track.
Should we really be giving the average person a street legal race car?
I’ll still take the standard Ariel Atom.
RS Performance’s 2.4-liter V8 weighs 198 pounds. I couldn’t find a the exact weight for the Honda K20Z, but it’s not much less than this V8. For $200K, you’re probably getting a hand-built engine with every weight saving technology possible. The K20Z is an excellent engine but it’s still mass produced, where some compromises are made to facilitate manufacturing.
That might even be a bigger waste of time and money than the Catterham 7.
The Atom can also be had with a range of GM Ecotec engines although I’m sorry I don’t know the weight of those either. As for this 500 I’m just baffled, what an amazing looking car. Screw the Caterham sign me up for the Atom!
mated to a 6 speed paddle shift, not mater
Haha good find Fletch; you’d think that when us the LLN readers have a spell checker provided to us inside the comment box that the actual writers would have one as well.
lou3000: This and the Caparo T1 are so expensive at least you wouldn’t be seeing too many of these on the freeway.
Too bad it isn’t street legal, so it can’t be driven where I live….otherwise nice car.
The Ecotecs have a better power to weight ratio than the Honda motor, but this is just absurd. This ought to make the Veyron or Hennessy Viper look like its standing still.
it;s nicer than the caterham IMO
Dang it! You’re missing the point!
Small engine plus next to no car to carry it and you equals total excitement and racing experience.
It is just another way to kill yourself.
So this car is going to cost 300-400K? Hmmm, do i get a CGT or an Ariel? I dont think they’re going to sell more than a handful at this price.
I doubt it will cost 300k; it will probably cost somewhere near the same as the Caterham if not placed slightly below it as to create better competition.
“The Ecotecs have a better power to weight ratio than the Honda motor.” -frylock350
LOL thats one of the funniest things I’ve heard in a while.
Awesome, but for what? Formula One?
acura_el2000- They also have better power bands at more usable RPM’s. Your sarcasm is what isn’t funny.
that car has no low in
Deadly!
This car is really a toy for overgrown morons. Why on earth do you want something so uncivilized as this???