German Car Zone

Initial testing of prototypes has shown the car is capable of 0-60mph sprints in less than 2.5 seconds.

Hot on the heels of the news of the 500hp (373kW) Caterham Seven RS, rival British sports car manufacturer Ariel has revealed plans for its own V8-powered superlight roadster based on the existing Atom platform. The exposed tubular frame road-legal racer is already a track-day favorite, but the addition of the new V8 engine, which is also rated at 500hp (373kW), brings the power-to-weight ratio of the roadster to nearly double that of the Bugatti Veyron. With a final kerb weight of approximately 500kg, the new Ariel Atom 500 measures in with a power-to-weight ratio of around 1,000hp/tonne.

The similarities to the rival Caterham project are immense. Also developed in conjunction with RS Developments, the Atom is powered by a Russell Savory-designed supercharged V8 engine displacing 3.0L and delivering its peak power at an incredible 10,000rpm. The all-alloy motor features four-valve cylinders and a dry sump oil system, and when matched with its Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox weighs in at just under 100kg.

Blurring the line between race-inspired and race-worthy even further, the Sadev gearbox is flatshift capable, meaning the driver doesn't even need to lift the throttle to shift up as the computer and gearbox takes care of all the work with the flap of a paddle. Launch and traction control are also standard. Initial testing of prototypes has shown the car is capable of 0-60mph sprints in less than 2.5 seconds.

Ensuring the lucky few who eventually get their hands on one of these creations don't have to cut short their day at the track because of fading or inadequate brakes, Alcon four-pot calipers grace all four corners behind Dymag wheels.

Production will be limited to just 25 units and if you’re interested you had better be quick as half of these are already accounted for.

Source: here

I want one!

I am sure that at least one of these will become a track day car in the UK... and then I will at least get to drive one. You can do 4 laps on a track in the current Ariel Atom for £126 in the UK.

So is this the same one that was announced a year ago?
They said that one had 2.4liter V8 and 500 HP, this one says 3.0liter.

Ariel Atom 500 V8 Breaks Cover - Worldcarfans

Death trap

Ok so this is a new version of the car.
Atom 500 V1 is supercharged 2.4 liter V8
Atom 500 V2 is NA 3.0 liter V8

I want I want both

thats just insane.

I just see it like that.
But it is an incredible car and i love it

Most stunning machine on the market to buy!! This must be a mind-blowing machine! Hope you will get a driver training for this car, when buying one…otherwise trees will be your best friend soon…

The original Atom looks cleaner, without the added aero bits of this car.

And, I'm sure I'd be quite happy with the 337hp supercharged Honda motor.

...you know, if/when the Canadian government pulls their heads out their arses & deems the bloody thing legal for the street, here.

I find it quite entertaining that the Atom isn't legal in Canada, but this silly thing is...