Share This:
Quick Spin: Autoblog Drives the Ariel Atom 3
Posted by: TimothyT on: 04/13/2010 11:53 AM in Automotive [ Print ]
Interesting read for me since this is something I have seriously considered buying as the next Hot Rod. After all, loaded at around 80k you would need to spend close to $300,000+ to get this sort of performance.
Before we get into the actual meat and potatoes of this review, please know that the absolute absurdity of the Ariel Atom 3 is not lost on us. It starts out as a sordid collection of mild steel tubing and a somewhat unassuming 2.0-liter K20Z four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual, both pulled from the Honda parts bin. Throw in some fiberglass and a smattering of carbon fiber, four wheels, two lightweight racing seats with four-point harnesses, a steering wheel and some pedals, and that's just about it, save the optional windshield.

But the result is greater than the sum of its parts. Much, much greater. In fact, we're convinced that the latest Ariel Atom is the purest, most singularly focused driver's car ever made. Like you, we've always wondered what it's like to strap into an Atom and head off towards the sunset. Today, thanks to our friends at Forman Motorsport, we finally find out. Follow the jump to keep reading.
Before we get into the actual meat and potatoes of this review, please know that the absolute absurdity of the Ariel Atom 3 is not lost on us. It starts out as a sordid collection of mild steel tubing and a somewhat unassuming 2.0-liter K20Z four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual, both pulled from the Honda parts bin. Throw in some fiberglass and a smattering of carbon fiber, four wheels, two lightweight racing seats with four-point harnesses, a steering wheel and some pedals, and that's just about it, save the optional windshield.
But the result is greater than the sum of its parts. Much, much greater. In fact, we're convinced that the latest Ariel Atom is the purest, most singularly focused driver's car ever made. Like you, we've always wondered what it's like to strap into an Atom and head off towards the sunset. Today, thanks to our friends at Forman Motorsport, we finally find out. Follow the jump to keep reading.
