Ariel Atom

478cc · Post by **478cc** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 2:12 pm

This looks serious fun.

It's a 9 minute long video from BBC2's Top Gear program.
Probably not a good idea to try viewing if you are on dial-up

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... ariel+atom

Steve

Post by **gelbe Kulter** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:24 pm

They had one on display at the USGP Laguna Seca last year. I was hoping they would take it for a few laps between races, but they did not.

http://www.automotivearticles.com/123/A ... _USA.shtml

Surprisingly if the buyer is out for a budget model, that can be had for nearly $36,000. While Brammo speculates that higher HP numbers are possible even at 145HP the driver can expect to hang with a Porsche 911 Turbo up to about 100MPH due the extreme power to weight ratio of the Atom. Although, keep in mind all of these prices here are for vehicles configured with little to no options, such as the road pack.

The US price configurator requires a log in.
http://www.arielatom.com/ariel/site.php

Post by **Doug** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:09 pm

I'd give my left nut for that thing. Its faster than most carsr wit h4 wheels - including cars in the $200K + range...

I'm a huge fan of the BBC shows - TopGear and FifthGear.
If you like to see the shows, this is a good place for us Yanks to get em.

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php?sh ... 19611&st=0

I think you have to register first..but its defintiely worth the effort.

Post by **scottybooj** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 11:34 pm

i read a recent article on it. i'll go look for the price and repost.

Post by **scottybooj** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 11:54 pm

ok, here's the scoop:

US importer is in Oregon, Brammo motorsports. http://www.brammo.com

Honda VTEC powered 2000lb. bullet.

stock 0-60 in 3.3 sec. As quick as a Ford GT
supercharged... 2.8 sec. holy crap.

$40-60,000 US$

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 7:54 am

Cool car. At first it looked real good but after [real world] pricing, it's as un-obtainable as a Porsche to me.

I guess it doesn't have heat.

That seat could use upgrading - one piece plastic?

Post by **gelbe Kulter** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:17 am

I guess it doesn't have heat. That seat could use upgrading - one piece plastic?

No one said it was a do-it-all car. Like the article says, it puts supercar performance within reach of just about anyone willing to make the sacrifice to have it. Warm summer nights around town and hot summer days on the twisty rural roads are where it would shine, aside from track days. Otherwise, it sits in the garage and I drive my old pickup. I probably would never buy it. It would take away some prime motorcycle riding time. But it would be fun.

Let's see. If I kept the Chevy for another ten years...

Post by **Doug** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:50 am

Ya, you cant think of it as car. Its a motorcycle with four wheels.

Last I heard, they were only approved in certain US states..

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:51 am

Doug wrote: I'd give my left nut for that thing. Its faster than most carsr wit h4 wheels - including cars in the $200K + range...

I'm a huge fan of the BBC shows - TopGear and FifthGear.
If you like to see the shows, this is a good place for us Yanks to get em.

http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php?sh ... 19611&st=0

I think you have to register first..but its defintiely worth the effort.

Fifth gear ain't BBC.

Atom would make a nice track car - but utterly pointless as a road vehicle - all the disadvantages of both cars AND bikes, and none of the (road-going) advantages of either.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:58 pm

but utterly pointless as a road vehicle

unless the point was to have fun...

...btw..it even has a boot/trunk..

DJ

Post by **NoRRmad** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 4:03 pm

But no roof, windshield, wipers, headlights or signals. Instant ticket.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 4:10 pm

Sorry, for that price I would rather have a used Porsche. Here is a Cabriolet, for example, in the low $30's. Not as quick, but much more practical. You can drive it to work and drive it at the race track on the weekends. With the top down, it is an incredibly fun car. The 6 cylinder boxer engine has a great sound. Lots of aftermarket parts and accessories available. Nothing like a Porsche.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?c ... cardist=15

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 3:33 am

DJ Downunder wrote:
but utterly pointless as a road vehicle
unless the point was to have fun... ...btw..it even has a boot/trunk..

DJ

but you can't even do that if you're stuck in traffic....

Post by **scottybooj** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 10:55 pm

i would most definitely have one if I had the ca$h laying around. it's a god-damn rocket for pete's sake!