RE: Ariel Atom 4: Driven

[Vocht]

Sounds like a very impressive bit of kit for £40k basic. Especially if compared to a 488. For me though an Atom should be that one car that is skittish, intimidating and hard to exploit. I'm sure Ariel know what they're doing and what customers want, but if I personally was in the market for an Ariel, it'd still be the 3.5R.

[hedgeperson]

GFWilliams said:

The real question is:Will this engine become available in the Nomad?

That's the intention. But it's a much bigger engine than the outgoing one.

Cheers,
Hedge

[hedgeperson]

yonex said:

Likely at least a 12 month waiting list so plenty of time to think it through

The current waiting list is over 2 years now. Same for the Nomad.

Cheers,
Hedge

[Actus Reus]

I discovered track days this year and discovered in July that, whilst I enjoy them, I am slow. I could learn to drive better which is the sensible and best option...or I could just buy one of these and obliterate everything. What a machine.

[anonymous-user]

hedgeperson said:

The current waiting list is over 2 years now. Same for the Nomad.

Cheers,
Hedge

I'll be down there soon and see what it's like for myself. I have a good idea of what I want and it'll be interesting to see the differences between the 4 and a 3.5 which has had some tweaks. My biggest fear is all the comparisons to various modern Ferrari's, I hope it still feels like an Atom I

[hedgeperson]

yonex said:

I hope it still feels like an Atom I

Don't worry, it does. I've been driven in the 4 by Ariel's development driver. It's epic.

Cheers,
Hedge

[slipstream 1985]

CaptainRAVE said:

I really wanted one of these until I saw one crashed into a wall. Nope.

Don't crash into walls then.

[neil1jnr]

Omega1987 said:

I drive a turbocharged hothatch myself and love it but for cars this small and light, I think natural aspiration or supercharging is more in keeping with their character.... That said I've not driven the new Atom so what do I know.

Edited by Omega1987 on Tuesday 2nd October 21:40

Exactly my thoughts. By no means do I think this new Atom won't be good because of the new engine, it will probably be a fantastic experience and probably too quick for most people initially. However, I love high revving NA engines and this is the application they are best suited too.

[SpudLink]

Love it!
I agree that a NA engine would be preferable, but small manufacturers have to work with the engines that are available, and in 2018 that means turbo charged.
I’ve considered buying an Atom in the past, but it’s reputation for nervous handling on the limit counted against it. I’m not a driving god, and wanted a mid-engined car that would work with me, not kill me for being inept.
I may have to think about an Atom 4 in the future.

[suffolk009]

Isn't this embargoed for another week or so?

[alorotom]

I’m sorry, I can’t see any physical difference here ... may need a side by side shot to get it!

Unless of course it’s the Atom all new which is in the same vein as the Porchse 911 all new(!)

[Deano84]

alorotom said:

I’m sorry, I can’t see any physical difference here ... may need a side by side shot to get it!

Unless of course it’s the Atom all new which is in the same vein as the Porchse 911 all new(!)

The new Atom is different in every way apart from 3 parts, the fuel filler cap, clutch and brake pedals.

[SpudLink]

alorotom said:

I’m sorry, I can’t see any physical difference here ... may need a side by side shot to get it!

Unless of course it’s the Atom all new which is in the same vein as the Porchse 911 all new(!)

I think they’ve done a good job of changing everything but making it look the same at first glance. If you google pictures of the 3.5 the changes look as extensive as they claim.

[Fastlane]

I've just bought a supercharged 3 with various 3.5 upgrades and it is epic! They are an absolute bargain for the experience and performance on offer and I have no doubt the 4 will be the even better, bar the missing whine of the supercharger. According to the factory, the new engine is only a decat. away from 365bhp, so 400 is but a remap away...

Like older 911s, unless you are an idiot, then they are easy enough to drive - you just need to show them respect given the performance on offer and the lack of traction control and ABS.

Here's mine:

[Gixer_fan]

Are those boost vs power figures correct ?
290bhp (0.6 bar) yet only 30bhp more with 1.3 bar ?
Plenty quick with either, mind....

[Turn7]

Why does EVERYTHING have to get bigger ? Drives me mental.....

I was looking at an Atom at the Kop Hill Climb recently, and its was the first time Id spent real time looking - the quality of the thing is astounding.

We all know thye are FAF and handle well, so why make it bigger ?

Come to that...why make a Pseudo Offroader ?

££££££ ?

[Fastlane]

Turn7 said:

Why does EVERYTHING have to get bigger ? Drives me mental.....

I was looking at an Atom at the Kop Hill Climb recently, and its was the first time Id spent real time looking - the quality of the thing is astounding.

We all know thye are FAF and handle well, so why make it bigger ?

Come to that...why make a Pseudo Offroader ?

££££££ ?

They have to make it bigger because sadly we are all getting fatter...and the engine is bigger because of all the emissions gubbins etc. It is all relative though, as it is still very light.

[likesachange]

I kinda wish I put my deposit down 2 months ago with a years waiting list... Now it's 2yrs plus!!
I may just buy a 3.5 and drop a deposit down for a 4 and be patent ...

Or a caterham 620s... Can't decide

[Turn7]

likesachange said:

I kinda wish I put my deposit down 2 months ago with a years waiting list... Now it's 2yrs plus!!
I may just buy a 3.5 and drop a deposit down for a 4 and be patent ...

Or a caterham 620s... Can't decide

Personally, altho I love th Atom, I cannot justify the badge of premuim...

Caterham all day long for me...

[dogz]

I’ve had a drive at the factory in a supercharged 3.5 about a year ago. I’ve been holding off ordering until the 4 was released. I’m sceptical about it being a turbo rather than the classic supercharged whine but things move on a guess. I’m waiting for the price list before I order. I rang the factory last week and it’s now 22-24 months wait. I would think a reasonably specced one with AP brakes, decat, better suspension etc will be c£50k. Still a performance bargain!!