Cars Blitz: Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom is a very fast car, a very cool car made by the Ariel Motor Company based in Somerset, England. The car does 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. As you can see by Jeremy Clarkson's face...it generates a cool bit of power from this little car. The car itself is also manufactured under license in the United States, originally by Brammo Motorsports, currently by TMI AutoTech Inc.

Specification:

0-60 mph : 2.7 seconds (manufacturer's claim)
Top Speed: 140 mph, 225 km/h (155 mph, 249 km/h supercharged)
Power: 245 bhp (183 kW/248 PS) @ 8200 rpm (300 bhp supercharged)
Torque: 210 N·m (150 ft·lbf) @ 6100 rpm
Weight: 456 kg (1,005 lb)
Transmission: Honda six-speed with reverse
Price: £20,000/£29,000 supercharged (cost in the US is over $65,000)
Engine: 2.0L Honda K20Z, 4 Cylinder, i-VTEC
Manufacturer: Ariel Motor Company Ltd
Length: 3,410 mm (134 in)
Width: 1,798 mm (70.8 in) / 1,828 mm (72.0 in) with 225 Tyres
Height: 1,195 mm (47.0 in)
Track: 1,600 mm (63 in) front and rear
Wheelbase: 2,345 mm (92.3 in)
Designer: Nik Smart

Recently, Ariel has announced intentions to build a new version of the Atom, the Atom 500 V8. This version will feature a 2.4L supercharged V8 engine putting out at least 500 bhp (373 kW/507 PS), coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox. The Atom 500 V8 is scheduled to be released during 2008. No pricing information is currently available.

Ariel Atom Video - Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear) at the wheel