British car manufacturer Ariel has revealed its latest race-ready car – the Atom 4R.
The road-legal but race-focused Atom 4R builds on the base Atom model, which already has a 260 kW engine, but packs a specially tuned version of Honda’s Type R turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 298 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque.
Atom 4R can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 274 km/h.
The 4R has added large side compartments that house additional cooling systems and the optional aerodynamic wing package can be supplemented with a large rear spoiler and front spoiler.
Engine cooling has increased by 55% thanks to an additional cooling radiator in the left compartment, while the intermediate cooling area has been increased by 75% in the right compartment. Both allow Ariel to deliver more engine power while maintaining optimal temperatures during use on the track.
Thanks to a new intercooler and cooling system, Ariel claims a 25% improvement in performance on the standard Honda Type R engine.
Power is provided through a Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox controlled by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
Ariel says the electronically controlled paddle shifter allows five downshifts in less than a second and upshifts at full throttle without a clutch, meaning the driver has excellent control with constant traction on the steering wheel.
The racer has no doors and no roof, with two bucket seats for driver and passenger, ensuring the model can reach breakneck speeds as quickly as possible.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is used to improve driving performance in various conditions, as well as lightweight carbon fenders, carbon wheels and brakes with carbon ceramic discs to reduce weight.
In the cockpit, that could include an optional track timing system with customer-competition video, as well as a reversing camera when the driver is restricted to the race’s six-point harness.
“We continue to strive to develop the Atom into the ultimate driver’s car, whether on the road or on the track. 4R follows in the footsteps of the great Atom 3.5R and once again takes the story forward,” said Ariel director Henry Siebert-Saunders.
True to Ariel’s bespoke production model, each Atom 4R will be built by an individual technician to the customer’s specifications, meaning each one will be unique.
Customer orders are already open and prices start at $123,000 for the Atom 4R.
While Ariel distributes models worldwide, it has yet to confirm global availability – we’ve reached out to see if any units are bound for Australia.
Ariel is also venturing into the electric performance space with the 880 kW all-wheel-drive Hipercar, which will start production in just over a year.
