The engine is pretty much amazing in this car. You get used to it quickly and start to really like it after only a short drive. Brakes are unboosted, too, but give similarly excellent feel. Since the steering is completely unboosted, it’s pretty heavy at slow speeds but lightens up once you get underway. The forward seat positioning really makes it feel like a race car. Even though the hip point is about amidships, you feel like you’re sitting farther forward in the Spyder than you do in the Ariel Atom or BAC Mono. Immediately you can tell this is a very well-sorted car. Then just pop the wheel back on, fire the big V8 and you’re off.
Mapleton had earlier adjusted the pedals to fit our ungainly leg length (it’s always a good sign when a carmaker asks for your inseam). You remove the steering wheel, step in over the frame, slide down into the seat and - fwooomp! - you’re in place for the six-point belt. has reviewed the content to ensure it is relevant.After one day in the Drakan (on great roads), we can say it drives every bit as well as its spec sheet promises. In some cases, will work with advertisers to bring you relevant content that has been made possible by advertisers and their partners. Opinions expressed within editorial material are those of the writer and not necessarily Ltd.įor further information, see our Terms & Conditions. If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away No More to Pay", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges. When purchasing a vehicle, always confirm the single figure price with the seller. Pricing guide current at the time of writing editorial. In most cases, attends new vehicle launches and other events at the invitation and expense of vehicle manufacturers, importers and/or distributors.Įditorial prices shown are a "price guide" only, based on information provided to us by the manufacturer. Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at Disclaimer We're guessing buyers will need to keep a little extra cash in reserve for the mandatory life insurance policy. Hmm, should make for an interesting match race with the Caparo T1 and Bugatti Veyron.Īriel plans to produce just 25 examples of the Atom 500 V8 this year, but prices are yet to be announced. Its maker claims the Atom 500 V8 can sprint from standstill to 60mph (96km/h) in well under three seconds and flash past 160km/h in comfortably less than seven seconds. Both front and rear double unequal length wishbones and inboard, pushrod-operated dampers contribute to the Atom's racecar-like handling.Īdorned with massive F1-esque front and rear wings, the outlandish Atom 500 V8 makes liberal use of alloy and carbonfibre to minimise weight and is said to tip the scales at a waif-like 500kg, reportedly endowing it with the best power-to-weight ratio of any production car on the planet. The Atom's suspension is derived from single-seat racecars and is fully adjustable, requiring only a wrench. Stopping power comes from a racing-style Alcon four-pot braking package.
#Ariel atom v8 driver#
The engine is housed just forward of the rear axle, and drive is relayed to the latter by a six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox (no word on traction control, or any other driver aids!). The whole lot is said to be good for 373kW, which arrives at a stratospheric 10,000rpm. The bent-eight in question is a Russell Savory (RS Developments) 2.4-litre V8 equipped with five valves per cylinder, a dry sump and a supercharger. However, the new Atom 500 V8 raises performance to an altogether more absurd level.
#Ariel atom v8 windows#
The Atom was originally revealed in 1996, and the exoskeletal - ie lacking a roof, windows or other body structure you'd find on a conventional car - contraption derived propulsion from a high-revving Honda four-cylinder engine, with range-topping versions copping a supercharger. The Ariel Atom is undoubtedly one of the ultimate embodiments of automotive lunacy, but the barebones open-wheeler's manufacturer has just unleashed an altogether more radical V8-powered version that should have the wherewithal to threaten the insane Caparo T1 (more here).
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