The Atom 500 V8 has a 1000hp per ton power-to-weight
ratio
The Ariel Atom 500 V8 is even more insane than the already outrageous
Ariel Atom.
The Atom 500 V8 is powered by a small V8 engine. With over 500
horsepower in a 500 kg (1,102 lb) package the Atom 500 will
boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production
car at over 1000 horsepower per ton.
The Ariel Atom 500 V8 project first began back in 2007 as a
special model created in conjunction with RS Developments. The
car features the same RS (Russell Savory) designed supercharged,
2.4 litre V8 engine connected to a 6 speed sequential Sadev
gearbox driving the rear wheels. The gearbox has power-on shift
capability, paddle gearchange with manual override as well as
launch and traction control.
The Ariel Atom 500 V8 is identifiable from the standard Atom
by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers and unique anodized
gold color scheme for the chassis and wheels and carbon fibre
panels and carbon fibre aerofoils. Other features include chromemoly
aerofoil wishbones, multi-function steering wheel, Alcon 4 piston
caliper brakes and lightweight Dymag magnesium wheels.