Ariel Atom 500 V8

[CRed05]

http://www.arielatom.com/specs/atom-500-v8

 

500hp, 500kg (1100lbs). That's a power-weight ratio thats 50% better than the Veyron. Only 25 will be made.

[John Bruh]

Ariel Atom 500 V8

 

Ariel announce the latest version of the Atom - the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a small V8 engine. With over 500bhp in a 500kilo package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production car, ever. At over 1000bhp per tonne the Atom 500 will be the ultimate statement in performance and is destined to be made in a limited edition.

 

The V8 powered Atom is the first of some exciting developments from Ariel due to be released though 2008 and builds on the growing reputation that the company has for putting the passion back into driving and producing cars that are fun to drive as well as fast both on and off the track.

 

The 500 started life as a one off special project with RS Developments in 2007 and features the Russell Savory designed 2.4 litre V8 engine coupled to a 6 speed sequential Sadev gearbox. Developing over 500bhp at 10,000rpm the supercharged engine features all alloy construction, 5 valves per cylinder and a dry sump. The gearbox will have flatshift capability, a paddle gearchange with manual override as well as launch and traction controls.

 

Recognisable by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers the Atom 500 will feature a unique colour scheme for chassis, wheels and bodywork combined with carbon fibre panels and carbon fibre aerofoils. Other features will include chromemoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon 4 pot caliper brakes and Dymag magnesium wheels.

 

Said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, 'This is an interesting project for us and an experimental departure from what we normally produce. For a few customers the Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car. We also use this sort of project to explore the possibilities of how we can improve our standard cars. The Honda engined production cars already combine all the elements that we want in an Atom and by pushing the envelope to these sorts of extremes we can further improve the breed'.

 

The Atom 500 will be produced in Somerset at the new Ariel factory with the first car available from Spring this year. Prices have not yet been finalised but Ariel's commitment to performance for value will ensure that the Atom 500 is competitive in cost as well as performance.

 

With the standard Atom 300 already achieving sub 3 second times to 60mph and sub 7 second times to 100mph, the 500 will take this one stage further with record breaking production car possibilities.

 

quote shit

[ansonivan]

That's the sort of traction problem I would love to endure, outstanding.

[oh8sti]

Ordered.

[Skinner]

so much want

[RedRocket1647545505]

Welcome to 2008?

[CRed05]

Welcome to 2008?

 

News to me, and a few other in here too. I was only aware of the 300hp one.

[Trouble Maker]

Welcome to 2008?

 

http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56816

 

From a brief glimpse on (US) Ariel's website it looks like this Atom 500 hasn't even been produced yet. I think there was 'talk' of it around that time. But talk is just that, talk. I'm taking this is news of the pending actuality of this car.

 

I'd rock the fuck out of either.

 

I thought this was the engine in the Catherham, but upon further looking probably not. Along the same lines though.

 

http://www.h1v8.com/

[87GT]

I put down my pre-order

[Mallard]

http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56816

 

From a brief glimpse on (US) Ariel's website it looks like this Atom 500 hasn't even been produced yet. I think there was 'talk' of it around that time. But talk is just that, talk. I'm taking this is news of the pending actuality of this car.

 

I'd rock the fuck out of either.

 

I thought this was the engine in the Catherham, but upon further looking probably not. Along the same lines though.

 

http://www.h1v8.com/

They haven't sold one yet, but they built one in front of owners at a recent gathering at their factory. (hence all the recent press)

 

The guy that made the DP1-DP4 (http://www.palatov.com/index.html and I'm sure you've read his blog) built one with a Hartley V8 as a test mule/fun car. Check out the bolg at http://www.dpcars.net/ and click on the picture of the Atom on the left side bar.

[Trouble Maker]

They haven't sold one yet, but they built one in front of owners at a recent gathering at their factory. (hence all the recent press)

 

The guy that made the DP1-DP4 (http://www.palatov.com/index.html and I'm sure you've read his blog) built one with a Hartley V8 as a test mule/fun car. Check out the bolg at http://www.dpcars.net/ and click on the picture of the Atom on the left side bar.

 

I hadn't run across this yet, thanks! :bangbang:

 

EDIT: Wow, from just glancing across a few things that guy knows his shit. I'll have to start reading all of that sometime soon.

[RedRocket1647545505]

I hadn't run across this yet, thanks! :bangbang:

 

EDIT: Wow, from just glancing across a few things that guy knows his shit. I'll have to start reading all of that sometime soon.

 

I actually just read it all a couple weeks ago. The guy has a laundry list of bugs with the thing and eventually ends up selling it. If you were to try to duplicate it, it would be roughly $40,000 for the rolling chassis, $30,000 for the basic engine, and $16,000 for the Sadev sequential tranny, not to mention all the odds and ends. You're still talking close to $100k or so. FML.

[Trouble Maker]

You're still talking close to $100k or so. FML.

 

Does it surprise you that he (maybe) spent way more for that than he would of for something off of the shelf. You make something piece-meal, you'll usually pay more than if you buy it whole. You start making custom one-off parts and the price will sky rocket.

[RedRocket1647545505]

The Atom 500 is rumored to be around $250k.

[Trouble Maker]

The Atom 500 is rumored to be around $250k.

 

So you think that guys home built car is a bargin or too expensive for what it is?

 

IIRC the Caterham is around the same price (~$200k).

[RedRocket1647545505]

So you think that guys home built car is a bargin or too expensive for what it is?

 

IIRC the Caterham is around the same price (~$200k).

 

I suppose it depends on how much you value your time. This guy spent over 3 years of his life piecing that thing together, and still never got it right. To me, I'd rather spend 1/3 of the money, and have a fun project to work on, including all the headaches and frustration that come along with it.

 

Short answer: Not a bargain, IMO, but worth it.

[JaSSon]

a 2.4L v8? That's the smallest V8 ever! And 500HP to boot.

[RedRocket1647545505]

a 2.4L v8? That's the smallest V8 ever! And 500HP to boot.

 

I believe the new motor they're going with is a 3.0L; a custom creation from smashing 2 modded Busa motors together.

 

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/01-ariel-atom-500-v8.jpg

 

^^About $50,000 right there^^

[Mallard]

I suppose it depends on how much you value your time. This guy spent over 3 years of his life piecing that thing together, and still never got it right. To me, I'd rather spend 1/3 of the money, and have a fun project to work on, including all the headaches and frustration that come along with it.

 

Short answer: Not a bargain, IMO, but worth it.

I think you missed the point of his project. He bought the Atom and was using it as a powertrain development mule for his DP1 track day racer. The purpose of this car WAS TO SORT OUT THE ISSUES so it would be ready to drop in to his purpose built car.