2012 Ariel Atom 3

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 1350
City (MPG) TBD
Hwy (MPG) TBD
Horsepower 245@8200
Torque (lb-ft) 210@6100
Wheelbase 92.3
Length (in.) 134.5
Width (in.) 70.8
Height (in.) 47.0

The Ariel Atom 3 is a unique open-cabin track car that has essentially pioneered a niche market for those seeking racecar-like performance on a much more reasonable budget. The Atom 3 forms the basis of the insanely quick Atom 500 V8.

Now, given the fact that the Atom 3 is not a federalized car suitable for road driving in the U.S., the car is still quite a pricey "track toy," but compared to building and operating a comparable race car, the Atom can be justified by some to be quite the bargain.

While the Atom is built by Ariel itself for European consumption, in the U.S. Ariel has tried a few different partners, and most recently has given exclusive rights to build and sell the track car through a company called TMI AutoTech Inc., based at the VIRginia International Raceway, where the cars themselves are assembled.

In the U.S., all Ariel Atom 3 models come with a Honda K20 engine matched to a six-speed close-ratio Syncromesh transmission. The base model produces 200 horsepower, but a mid-grade (and still naturally aspirated model) ups the ante to 245 horsepower, followed by a range-topping 300 horsepower unit that is force fed by a supercharger.

While those power figures may not wow you by themselves, when you consider the Atom 3 weighs a scant 1,350 lbs, they translate to supercar-beating power-to-weight ratios starting at 7.0 lbs/bhp, to 5.6 lbs/bhp, to an astonishing 4.6 lbs/bhp. That translates to a zero-to-60 time of under three seconds and hitting 100 miles per hour in just over 10 seconds.

Stock brakes come in the form of PBR single piston units, which can be upgraded to Wilwood Dynalite four-piston brakes, or even more pricey Alcon track brakes with four pistons as well.

The suspension comes standard with non-adjustable Bilstein shocks, while adjustable units can be had for a bit more cash. If that doesn't tickle your suspension fancy, customers can also pay to upgrade to chromoly aerofoil wishbones and race-grade rod ends.

One of the most unique design aspects of the Atom 3 is the tubular chassis which not only supports the car, but replaces nearly the entire body that would be used on any other vehicle. This exposes virtually every component to the elements, from the front brakes to the engine, but also drops the car's curb weight to just half a ton -- making it far faster and more nimble than most supercars.

Factory standard colors include silver or black powder coating for the chassis with fiberglass bodywork and fenders in black, but carbon fiber bodywork, fenders and custom colors can be added via option.

Stock wheels feature 12 spokes, but especially lightweight magnesium Dynamag wheels can be had for extra dough. The standard wheels come wrapped in Yokohama S.drive tires, which can be upgraded to the newer Advan AD48 model tires.

For the reason track enthusiasts, things like a quick-disconnect steering wheel, battery master switch, carbon fiber wing kit, intercom system, remote brake bias adjuster, roll bars and more can be added through the options list.

Other optional features include a full glass windscreen, clutch/passenger footrest, high intensity rain light, side panels and a towing eye kit.

In some regions, including parts of the US, the Atom is road-legal and can be driven to and from the track - but this is definitely limited to select regions.

Key Competitors
The Atom 3's closest competitor is the similarly minimalistic and track-focused KTM X-Bow , while the Lotus Elise and Porsche Cayman R each carry more weight but share a pure, driver-focused character with the Ariel.

Similar Cars

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    • General
    • Body Style: Convertible
    • Size: Sub-Compact
    • Market Segment: Sports
    • Weight: 1350 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 134.5 in.
    • Width: 70.8 in.
    • Height: 47.0 in.
    • Wheelbase: 92.3 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 63.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 63.0 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 2
    • Passenger Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume: TBD
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: TBD
    • Head Room: TBD
    • Shoulder Room: TBD
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.0L I4
    • Power: 245 hp @ 8200 rpm
    • Torque: 210 lb-ft @ 6100 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Automated Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: TBD
    • City Fuel Economy: TBD
    • Forced Induction: Supercharger
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 195/50R15
    • Rear: 15" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 195/50R15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

We're sorry, but we don't currently have pricing information for this vehicle. Please check back later.

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