Ariel Atom reviewd on Top Gear
 

I kinda like the looks of it, but the performance! HFS! Who do I have to kill to make one of them legal in the US?

500 pounds and 300HP? I'm still giddy from watching the clip.

I read abotu those things a while ago, neat little cars. Type of thing I would enjoy on a track day. It's 500 KG though.

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/

2003 model for sale - only 2900 miles. Only $52,500.00. Grab it before someone else does!

Genom, one of the used ones on ^ this site seems to be registered in Washington. Got a spare $50g?

Hmm... not really :D

My bad on the weight. Forgot they talk kg's. But 50K for a used one? Ugh. I'd rather have family in the UK buy one and ship it over piece by piece. Be cheaper that way too!

Jeremy Clarkson test driving the Atom. :p

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/6968/lrg8tg.jpg

haha, thats awesome!
did they run the track with it? anyone know the time?

I think it did the 2nd best time after the Ferrari Enzo, and ahead of the Porsche Carerra GT.
The model tested does 0-60 in an estimated 3.5 secs.
The turbocharged version apparently does 0-60 in 2.9 secs.

Hehe. It's an overpriced go-kart. Put some skin on it and it'll be an Elise. :D

Here's Clarkson's review.

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...267303,00.html

yeah, for 50k, i'd go with an elise or vette. the car sounds nice and all, but i'd REALLY miss the windshield as bugs hit me in the face at 100 mph.

how about the bugs hitting you in the small intestine at 100mph.

I downloaded the videos, it's an impressive little car. If I already had a couple cars this would be awesome for that old school,white knuckled, pant shitting kinda driving you just can't get with modern road cars.

I always thought I might build something like this one day, it seems to be within my capabilities.

You and I must be the only people that think we can personally achieve building this. All I need is do a welding and mechanics course. Every part on the car can be purchased over the counter. I think this car can be put together in about half the cost they are selling it for.

Tip to Mr CLarkson... buy a Helmet, or borrow Sticks ;)

this is the greatest car ever. I love that it has nothing on it that it doesn't need. If i had 50k sitting around doing nothing, i'd buy it in a heartbeat. I mean damn... second only to the Enzo, which is, what? 1.2-1.3 million dollars resale? Why buy a Corvette? You have all the comfort you need in an 8. :D

Get the Top Gear video while it's still hot and before the links gets cold.................

43.4MB
http://www.openwheelers.com.au/video...ll_segment.mpg

Great video, good post.

What date this episode air? Would like to get the whole episode. Thanks.

I would love to see what Richards AFSC would do to this thing..

That car is nice but i think this one could beat it ant it cost less.

Caterham Seven CSR

ENGINE:
Caterham developed Rover 1.8 litre K-Series.
Capacity: 1,796cc 80mm (bore) x 89.3mm (stroke).
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1.
Cylinder Head: 16 valve DOHC.
Valve Actuation: mechanical tappets and lightweight flatback valves.
Induction: Caterham magnesium inlet manifold featuring roller barrel throttle actuation.
Oil System: Caterham designed dry-sump system featuring magnesium pan and bell-tank housing.
Pistons: Cosworth. Crankshaft/Con Rods: Forged steel. Engine Management:
MBE system with unique map. Caterham ultra-lightweight low inertia flywheel with AP racing light-weight clutch.
Exhaust: Large bore plated 4 into 1 system with carbon silencer.
Max power: 230 bhp @ 8,600rpm.
Max torque: 155 lbsft @ 7,200rpm. Maximum revs 9,200rpm.
Gearchange warning: Dash top mounted sequential.

FUEL:
Unleaded


TRANSMISSION:
Caterham ultra close-ratio aluminium gearbox.
1st 2.69:1
2nd 2.01:1
3rd 1.59:1
4th 1.32:1
5th 1.13:1
6th 1.00:1
Reverse 2.96:1.
Final Drive: Limited Slip Differential 3.92:1.

EXTERIOR:
Carbon fibre wind deflector, rear view mirrors, indicators mountings and sill protectors.
INTERIOR:
Carbon fibre dashboard fitted with Stack Racing display -optional data logging. Black powder coated interior panels. Bespoke lightweight carbon kevlar race style seats.

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 2,225mm.
Front Track: 1,336mm.
Rear Track: 1,336mm.
Overall length: 3,100mm.
Overall width: 1,575mm.
Height: 800mm.
Ground clearance: 80mm.
Turning circle: 10m.

WHEELS & TYRES:
Wheels: Front 61/2J x 13.
Rear: 81/2J x 13. Caterham 3 piece Magnesium Hub/Spun Alloy Rim.
Tyres: Bespoke Avon Radial R500 specification.
Front: 185/55 R 13.
Rear 215/50 R 13.

PERFORMANCE:
Maximum Speed: 146mph.
0-60 3.6 seconds.

STEERING:
Rack-and-pinion, 2.12 turns lock-to-lock. Quick release Momo steering wheel.

BRAKES:
Front: 254mm lightweight ventilated discs. Caterham/AP Racing 4 pot calipers. Rear: 228mm solid discs.

SUSPENSION:
Front: Widetrack adjustable, aerofoil tube wishbone, adjustable spring seats & anti roll bar.
Rear: de Dion axle with lower A-frame and upper Watts link with adjustable anti roll bar, adjustable spring seats. Springs: Coil.
Dampers: Bilstein telescopic.

WEIGHT: Kerb weight 460 kg.

Word of advice for anybody thinking about starting their own car company. NEVER EVER call your company Ariel, unless you want consumers to think you're a cartoon chick or a transvestite. ARIEL. Not a smart move. ARIEL ATOM. I swear that's the name of some chick cartoon character.

It's the little mermaids name.
http://www.nicoles-funworld.de/windo...el/ARIEL07.gif

To be honest, this car could be called Bambi and it wouldn't hurt sales one bit. Nothing short of a Ferrari Enzo is going to beat this car on a track.

It won't hurt sales one bit because there are no sales. And there will never be anything significant as far as sales. That's what British carmakers are all about: nothing that has to do with sales. LOL.