The need to know stuff about the Atom 3S is conveniently red highlighted in the press release: 365hp at 7,500rpm, 310lb ft at 4,400rpm, Borg Warner EFR 7163 turbo, 0-60mph in less than 2.8 seconds. Remember when the Atom was launched with 120?
Sidepods aid cooling for the turbo
The American alternative to
the Atom 3.5R
launched here earlier this year, the 3S is being built by TMI Autotech, the official US retailer for Ariel Atoms since 2008. It is promising new features 'never before seen on the the Ariel Atom 3 platform'. It again uses Honda power, taking the 2.4-litre engine used in American Atom 3s as well as the Honda Crosstour (woo) but of course with the turbo and 365hp - 15hp more than the supercharged 3.5R. As well as that very brisk 60mph sprint time, TMI claims a 0-100mph time of 6.7 seconds and an estimated 1/4 mile time of 10.7 seconds. So if you owe anyone a ten-second car then the 3S could be just the ticket...
Adjustable traction control makes its debut on the Ariel Atom with the 3S. A dash mounted dial offers five settings of TC intervention. Might be handy with 506lb ft per ton... Stopping the 3S are 290mm discs at each corner with four-pot Alcon calipers. Moreover, a Sadev sequential transmission similar to that used in the Atom V8 is optional. Two manual choices are there too, a standard set of gears and a close-ratio box on the extras list. Over the Atom 3 the 3S also received JRI adjustable dampers, a quick-release wheel, a brake bias adjuster and a battery master switch. Y'know, just in case an Atom wasn't track-focused enough already.
Order are being taken for the Atom 3S in America now with a price of $89,750, $25,000 more than the standard Atom 3. A back to back with the UK-spec 3.5R would make for a fascinating comparison too, if one requiring brave pills for those taking part. Any offers?
Video of the 3S at Virginia International Raceway
here.