Ariel Motor Company has unveiled an updated version of the Atom, called the Atom 3.5. Updated with a chassis derived from the V8 and Mugen editions to be stiffer, with more torsional rigidity than ever, new Ariel Atom 3.5 also features revised engine mountings and new dampers to give the car a more compliant ride on the road, and better balance on the track.
The old and trusty 4-cylinder 2.0-liter Honda VTEC engine is unchanged in 245bhp tune, while the supercharged version receives a 10bhp increase (from 300bhp to 310 bhp) thanks to a revised intake, mapping and fuel system. Although cosmetic changes maybe are not noticeable for the casual observer at first glance, there is a plenty of them, such as a new front hood, twin projector headlamps, a new lighting system front and rear, and LEDstop, turn signals and taillights.
The interior hasn’t undergone big changes, except introducing of a new LCD display with speed, RPM and a F1-style gear indicator with shift lights. A data logger can be added to the driver display to give real-time information including lap times and a G-force calculator.
Simon Saunders, director of Ariel said: “Whether it’s a fast road car, the ultimate track-day weapon, a fun weekend car or a combination of all three, we can make a car that is personal and individual to that particular customer”.
Prices for this the most customisable Atom ever, according to Ariel, start at £30,000 ($48,100).
