Ariel has brought the Atom into its fourth
generation, although you’d be excused if you cannot tell the differences
between this and the previous model. The small British
automaker says that everything is new, except for the fuel cap and brake/clutch
pedals, which have been carried over.
The most important part of the new Ariel Atom 4 lies
under the hood, and is the same engine normally found in the latest Honda Civic
Type R. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit features the brand’s
own Engine Control Unit (ECU), and is married to a six-speed manual gearbox and
a limited-slip differential. It generates 320 PS which, thanks
to the low weight design, allows the track toy to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and climb up to 261 km/h.
The car comes with an updated suspension that
features standard Bilstein dampers or optional Ohlins parts. And speaking about
optional extras, future buyers should know that they will be able to choose the
launch control and traction control systems from the Atom V8. Also, the 16- and
17-inch front and rear wheels can be replaced by carbon fiber-made ones.
The body of the new Ariel Atom 4 might look almost
the same as before, but it’s made from carbon fiber and benefits from optimized
airflow. The company talks about increased downforce and lower drag, too. Ariel will assemble about 100
units annually at their factory near Crewkerne, Somerset, alongside the Nomad
and Ace motorbike. Each one will be put together by a single technician.
Besides the UK plant, Ariel will also make the new
Atom 4 under license in South Boston, Virginia, USA, for the North and South
American markets. Both versions of the car will have identical specs.
Pricing for the overseas market hasn’t been
disclosed yet, but in its homeland, the new Ariel Atom 4 starts from £ 39,975
(US$ 52,995). The first cars will be delivered next spring, but before that, the
track model will debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this week.
