Ariel reveals Atom 4 with more power, refined chassis

Honda\'s latest K20C Type R turbocharged engine launches the Atom 4 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.

Ariel has revealed the Atom 4, bringing the car into its fourth generation since arriving on the market in 1999.

The redesigned Atom features Honda's latest Type R turbo engine, an all-new chassis, refined suspension, new bodywork, revised seating and new instrumentation. Most of the changes benefit from partnerships with experts in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA).

Honda's K20C engine delivers 320 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm, an increase of 75 percent over the standard Atom 3.5 and 35 percent higher than the supercharged edition.

The Atom 4 can launch to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, push to 100 mph in 6.8 seconds and top out at 162 mph.

Aerodynamic improvements are said to improve downforce and engine cooling while reducing 'helmet lift' for the occupants. Other suspension and steering changes are focused on improving street comfort while improving track performance.

"It's important that the Atom not only handles superbly but has ultimate driveability," says Atom suspension engineering chief Sam Evans. "On Atom 4 we have gone to enormous lengths to ensure the car is as easy to drive on the road as it is fast on a race track."

Atom 4 production is expected to begin later this year for early 2019 delivery.