The Ariel Atom, a raw and exhilarating machine, offers an unparalleled driving experience, blurring the lines between a race car and a road-legal vehicle. Jay Leno, a renowned car enthusiast, was among the first in the U.S. to receive the Ariel Atom 2, highlighting its desirability. Originally developed in 2000, the Atom caters to drivers craving unadulterated speed and performance. Its acceleration is so intense it can leave even seasoned adrenaline junkies breathless.
While the Ariel Motor Company in the UK produces the Atom with a Honda IVTEC engine, Brammo Motorsports assembles the Atom 2 in the U.S., utilizing a General Motors’ Ecotec 2.0 L SC engine. Both engine variants deliver approximately 300 horsepower. While this might seem modest, the Atom’s incredibly light weight, barely exceeding 1,000 pounds, results in a power-to-weight ratio rivaling hypercars like the McLaren F1, Bugatti Veyron, and Ferrari Enzo. The Atom accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds, rivaling even the million-dollar Bugatti Veyron. With a price range of $35,000 to $75,000, the Atom provides supercar performance at a fraction of the cost.
The Atom’s design is minimalist and functional. Its tubular steel frame forms both the chassis and body, housing essential components: two seats, four tires, two lights, a steering wheel, an engine, and crucial safety features like brakes and seatbelts. The engine’s roar serves as its soundtrack. The absence of a roof, windshield, and doors amplifies the sensation of speed. Its aerodynamic design, including a low, wide stance, nose cone, rear-positioned engine, and double-wishbone suspension, enhances stability by generating downforce at high speeds.
Although not traditionally luxurious, the Atom offers a unique form of automotive extravagance. While not strictly street-legal in all regions, and far from a mass-market vehicle, its exclusivity and performance place it in a realm of its own. Depending on local regulations, assembling the Atom as a kit car with specific modifications may allow for road use. However, the true essence of the Atom lies in its uncompromised performance, best experienced on a track or open road.
Simon Saunders, a respected designer with experience at prestigious automotive manufacturers, conceived the Ariel Atom. His goal was to create a vehicle that captured the visceral thrill of a motorcycle with the added safety of a car. The Ariel Atom delivers on this promise, providing an unmatched driving experience for those seeking pure, unadulterated performance.