| Year |
2007 (prototype)
/ 2011 production |
| Engine |
3.0 litre
V8 |
| Transmission |
6-speed
sequential RWD |
| Max
speed |
200 mph |
| 0-60
mph |
2.3 seconds |
| Horsepower |
475 hp
@ 10,500 rpm |
| weight |
550 kgs
/ 1,213 lbs |
|
The Atom V8 has a 900hp per ton power-to-weight
ratio |
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 |
The Ariel Atom 500 is even more insane than the already outrageous
Ariel Atom.
The Atom 500 V8 is powered by a small V8 engine. With nearly
500 horsepower in a 550 kg (1,213 lb) package the Atom V8 boasts
one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production
car, at over 900 horsepower per ton.
The Ariel Atom 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 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.
Ariel Atom V8 press release:
The Atom V8 is here! After three years of development the latest
version of the iconic Ariel Atom is released. Offering a power
to weight ratio previously only found in single seat race cars
the Atom V8 brings unparalleled levels of performance to the
driver who wants the ultimate trackday car. Described as the
‘Savile Row of the Automotive World’ Ariel are taking the handmade
and exclusive nature of the ultra high performance Atom to another
level.
To be built in a Limited Edition of just 25 cars the Atom V8
builds on the success of the normally aspirated and supercharged
Honda engined cars, which continue in production alongside the
V8. Every car and engine will be individually numbered and the
Atom V8 will be built to suit individual customer requirements
as regards specific use, whether road, track or race. The ultra
low volume nature of Ariel’s production means that the very
personal relationship between them and their customers allows
for a completely tailor made car.
Said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, "There are things
that can be done in low volume production that the big manufacturers
can’t, won’t or daren’t do so we make a virtue of our size,
our skills and the unique qualities that hand built production
can bring to our cars. The Atom V8 demonstrates this right down
to selection of gear ratios for individual use."
Race specification components are specified throughout the Atom
V8 and reflect the extraordinary levels of performance that
the car offers. With over 500bhp available the Atom V8 has a
power to weight ratio in excess of 900bhp per tonne. (Ferrari
Enzo 434bhp per tonne, Bugatti Veyron 530bhp per tonne, GP2
single seater 850bhp per tonne). Race car acceleration and up
to 200mph for this ultimate Atom set a new level in trackday
cars.Couple this with full road registration and the Atom V8
truly is a ‘race car with number plates’.
Centre of the Atom V8 is the lightweight 3 litre normally aspirated
engine built for Ariel in the USA. Flat plane crank, forged
pistons, chain driven double overhead cam with 4 valves per
cylinder and revving to 10,500 rpm, the all alloy and aluminium
engine has race car specification throughout. Dry sump lubrication,
8 throttle bodies with sequential fuel injection and ceramic
coated stainless exhaust are all part of the standard specification
and, due to the compact nature of the engine, the installation
fits perfectly in to the Atom engine bay. Each engine is individually
tested, signed off and numbered to match the number of the car.
Although producing around double the power of a normally aspirated
Atom, the engine has been built and tuned for drivability. Ariel’s
knowledge and close relationship with their customers means
that they have an in depth understanding of the demands on the
cars and not only what customers want but what they need.
Drive is through a Sadev 6 speed sequential race gearbox with
adjustable limited slip differential and gearsets to suit individual
customer choice. Gearchange is via a paddle airshift system
which makes up-changes in 40 milliseconds and down-changes in
50 milliseconds with the capability of 5 downshifts in less
than a second. The programmable nature of the system allows
Ariel to build in safeguards for customers plus have an auto
upAriel Motor Company Limited is registered in the UK. Company
Number 6712165 shift and cued down-shift capability. The ability
to carry out flat upshifts without lifting the throttle coupled
with 500bhp will give the Atom V8 the most remarkable acceleration
seen in a production vehicle ever.
The inboard pushrod suspension of the standard Atom has been
uprated for the V8 with chromoly aerofoil section wishbones
and pushrods coupled with magnesium wheels to reduce unsprung
weight. Dampers and springs have been developed specifically
for the Atom V8 and feature lightweight aluminium monotubes
with remote reservoirs giving 3 individual way adjustment (high
speed compression, low speed compression, rebound) which is
coupled with a unique 4 way spring stiffness adjuster. For the
driver who wants to set the car up for different uses, different
tracks and personal preferences this gives the ultimate adjustability.
New instrumentation and switchgear reflect the track focus of
the car. An all new LCD display has shift light, gear position
and programmable functions to show a range of car and engine
information, with parameter set master alarms, for up to 15
channels. Main functions are set to display continuously and
the driver can scroll through information from air, water, oil
and gearbox temperatures to fuel, oil and manifold pressures
if required.
Behind the paddle change sits a new panel housing the normal
Atom road controls plus tiered switchgear for adjustable traction
and launch controls, wet/dry settings, gearbox settings, LCD
display and menu functions. With data logging facility built
in the Atom V8 gives as much, or as little information as the
driver needs or wants.
The unique bronze welded Atom chassis has additional structural
braces in the engine compartment and every V8 chassis will be
finished in a special gold powder coat special to the limited
edition of 25 cars. Proven over many years the Atom chassis
is not only light and structurally superb but has been proven
to give outstanding levels of occupant protection. Bodywork
on the V8 is a mixture of composite woven cloth and carbon fibre
with front and rear adjustable carbon fibre aerofoils as standard.
The very high specification of the Atom V8 and the time spent
developing the car on track and Somerset roads gives a result
that is ready to put on any race track in the world and also
drivable on the road.
For 25 customers, who are passionate about their driving, this
will be the ultimate trackday tool and with 20 cars pre-ordered
the Limited Edition will quickly be sold out.
"Our aim is to put the passion back in to driving and
our motto at Ariel is Serious Fun." said Simon Saunders,
"The Atom V8 is one more step to keeping that passion
alive and is about as serious as fun gets!"
Similar and related vehicles:
Ariel Atom 2
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