Outrageous Ariel Atom 4R shown at FoS
Regular Atom 4 too tame? Try one with more than 400hp and even less weight...
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the Atom, with a focus seemingly on new Nomads and the incredible Hipercar. But they’ve been busy at Ariel alright, as evidenced by this: the 405hp, sequential-gearboxed, carbon wheeled Atom 4R. One of the maddest sports cars out there, made even madder still.
Ariel’s Director Henry Siebert Saunders has described the new R as “a really astonishing car of which we’re justifiably proud.” He added: “We continue to strive to evolve the Atom as the ultimate driver’s car, whether on road or track. The 4R follows in the footsteps of the amazing Atom 3.5R and yet again moves the story on.” And how. New air intake geometry and better cooling (including a chunkier intercooler), means Ariel has been able to liberate more power from the Civic Type R turbo, the 2.0-litre now rated at 405hp and 369lb ft. Huge numbers in any car, let alone one barely heavier than a Meccano kit. Power gets to the road through a new Quaife six-speed paddleshift sequential, which permits flat upshifts, autoblipped downshifts, and even the ability to go down five gears in less than a second (!). 62mph is reached in less than 2.7 seconds, 100mph in less than 6.5, and a 170mph top speed is claimed. Yikes.
This being an Atom R, however, there’s more to this new model than just power. While employing the standard Atom 4 pushrod suspension, there’s now Ohlins TTX36 dampers designed and valved specifically for this installation; buyers will be able to choose from Ohlins springs for either predominantly road or mainly track use. The new aerodynamic parts (see the wings and the rear venturi) are the result of a collaboration between Ariel and TotalSim, using CFD to balance out the additional downforce across the car with a tiny drag penalty. The overhaul has gone as far as fitting raised mudguard sections to reduce lift and help downforce on the tyres, plus machined aluminium uprights with aero section wishbones and pushrods, further reducing drag and unsprung weight.
Speaking of which, check out those wheels. Sat in front of ceramic discs - on an Atom! - the carbon rims and new rotors save 26kg over standard, a huge amount given the miniscule kerbweight. Interestingly, the brakes will work through Ariel’s first 12-position ABS, which ‘gives completely control for sensitivity in wet, dry or changeable conditions’. Lunatics can disable it entirely, as is also possible with the traction control. Just make sure you’re confident before turning on the camera to record your track antics…
Want one? Move fast, probably straight to Ariel’s stand at Goodwood. The Atom waiting list doesn’t get any shorter, and the reputation of the old 3.5R will ensure these are in demand. Especially at what seems like an entirely reasonably £64,950 plus VAT. But that’s before adding options like the carbon mudguards, of course - an Atom 4R could well get expensive. When Ariel reckons that it’s created ‘one of the most rewarding drivers’ cars ever’, though, you pay what’s asked and wait as long as you need to wait. This is going to be epic.
Power gets to the road through a new Quaife six-speed paddleshift sequential, which permits flat upshifts, autoblipped downshifts, and even the ability to go down five gears in less than a second (!). 62mph is reached in less than 2.7 seconds, 100mph in less than 6.5, and a 170mph top speed is claimed. Yikes.
Like porn mag story.
Men in sheds doing amazing things. What a car and that rear wing, nuts.
I guess these would be a bit slower over a lap than a radical, but then not everyone wants the radical's aero-dominated driving style?
king bonkers. Again. 
Can anyone explain the front shock placement? I can see how it would improve weight distribution but i've not seen much information on how they have engineered the design.
You will be looking at £110-£120k fully spec-ed though. Most std 4’s are £70k+ without the sequential gearbox, around £15k.
For fun and performance pretty much unbeatable.
Also residually they are really good.
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