Ariel unveils Atom 3.5R with 40 extra horsepower

Extra boost cuts 0-60 mph time to 2.6 seconds, 100 mph in 6.0 seconds.

Ariel has introduced a more powerful version of its Atom 3.5 exoskeletal sports car.

Increasing supercharger boost from 7.5 psi to 11 psi allows the Atom 3.5R's 2.0-liter engine -- taken from the Civic Type R -- to jump from 310 horsepower to 350 ponies. Torque also gets a modest increase to 243 lb-ft.

The extra power is put to the wheels via the six-speed Sadev gearbox that can be found in the Atom V8, pneumatically actuated using paddle shifters.

The bare-bones structure is just as light as the standard version, which weighs in around 1,200 lbs, enabling the 3.5R to rocket from zero to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, reaching 100 mph in six flat and topping out around 155 mph.

Handling has also been refined, thanks to an updated pushrod suspension system. Different spring options provide separate tuning, one for track use and another geared for the street.

Images posted by Car Magazine show slightly modified fairings, though the 3.5R still maintains the exposed-frame appearance of the standard edition.

The 3.5R is expected to sell for the equivalent of $91,600 USD.