The Ariel Atom has been described as many things in the motoring media over the past decade or so. Today we can add to that list 'a highly-impactive engagement vehicle that will send a cautionary message to motorcyclists'.
'Do you know why I've stopped you today sir?'
So yes, this battenburged Atom won't become the local panda car for the Avon and Somerset Constabulary. If anything that could increase juvenile delinquency in the hope of a passenger ride. Nope, it's role will be as part of a 'Safer Rider' campaign designed to increase awareness by and for motorcyclists with accident and death rates still high. Presumably the intention being that a biker is more likely to listen to the driver of a car that requires similar compromises. Or something like that. That Ariel is due to launch a motorcycle soon makes for a nice association as well.
The car is based on the new Atom 3.5R and also features 'the latest aerodynamic Hella pursuit lights' as well as Somerset's livery. Even with emergency equipment (yes, really!), the police Atom is still capable of reaching 60mph in 2.5 seconds. Would make quite quite an interesting race with a superbi... oh sorry, not the point. Safer Rider, Safer Rider.
The campaign will be launched this Saturday at the Haynes Motor Museum where the Atom will be on display.
The Atom must also be a contender for coolest police car ever made also. Of course there's the Gallardo to consider, plus the Evora used by the Italian Carabinieri. All better than the Mitsubishi i-MiEV though.
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