Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Atom Smasher: UK-bound Ariel V8 to command $200,000?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ariel Atom - click above image for hi-res gallery

Two hundred thousand bucks is a house in most places. Well, that's £120,000 to our British friends. Still, that's an awful lot of scratch. How much is it compared to other cars? If say you wanted a Porsche Cayman S -- a car many consider the finest sports car in the world -- the mini-Porker costs just £44,000. How about an Aston Martin V8 Vantage -- which many consider to be the best sounding sports car in the world? A mere £83,000, or £91,000 if you want the drop top so as to better hear the wikkid engine.

Okay, but what about a serious performer -- like a 550 hp Porsche Panamera Turbo? Just £95,000. Or a 525 hp Audi R8 V10? "Only" £100,000. Even a Porche Turbo Cabriolet is priced to sell at £110,000. No, if you want a vehicle that costs as much as the roofless, doorless, bodyless Ariel Atom V8 is going to cost in Great Britain you're going to probably be cross shopping it with... a Caterham Se7en RST-V8 Levante that also has a V8 but lacks doors and retails for about £120,000 pounds sterling. Ironic, no? Sure, there are always more expensive cars (hello Lambo, Ferrari) but at this lofty price point not too many.

Is it worth that much cash? Very hard to say, as the craziest ever Atom (which is saying something) is as track-only as it gets. For instance, even the manic Se7en RST-V8 Levante has something resembling a windshield. On the pro side, Ariel will only be shipping 25 cars to the UK (19 of which have already sold) and the V8 engine is actually two Hayabusa motors joined to a common crank. With that in mind, the Atom V8 can hit 60 mph in a Veyron like 2.5 seconds. So... yes, totally worth the money.


Gallery: Ariel Atom


[Source: AutoCar]

Atom Smasher: UK-bound Ariel V8 to command $200,000? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArielAriel AtomAriel Atom 500Ariel Atom V8ArielAtomArielAtom500ArielAtomV8AtomBritainHayabusaSuzuki HayabusaSuzukiHayabusaUKTue, 10 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[V8-powered Ariel Atom 500 could cost at least $160k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/v8-powered-ariel-atom-500-could-cost-at-least-160k/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/v8-powered-ariel-atom-500-could-cost-at-least-160k/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/v8-powered-ariel-atom-500-could-cost-at-least-160k/#comments
Ariel Atom 500 V8 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Even with the stock 300-horsepower Honda four, the Ariel Atom is a verifiable supercar-slayer. So when the British track-car manufacturer announced they'd be building a bonkers 500hp V8 version, our interests were piqued, to say the least. But if you were expecting a bargain, think again. The latest reports, quoting Ariel's CEO Simon Saunders, indicate that the V8-powered Atom 500 will cost a very supercar-like £100,000, or about $160k in American greenbacks. At least.

That's about three times the price of the four-cylinder Atom 300. So why the huge price increase? Well, for starters, earlier reports that the Atom 500 would use the RS Performance-sourced 2.4-liter 10,000 rpm V8 from the Caterham Levante have proven inaccurate, as Ariel will be producing its own custom engine. Based on two Suzuki Hayabusa blocks but with a high proportion of custom parts, the engine alone is said to account for about £30,000 (~$50k); add to that another £11,000 ($17k) for the custom six-speed gearbox, plus the Alcon brakes and various carbon-fiber body parts and the figures start to add up pretty quick.


Gallery: Ariel Atom 500 V8


[Source: Autocar]

V8-powered Ariel Atom 500 could cost at least $160k originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel 500ariel atomariel atom 500ariel atom v8ariel v8Ariel500ArielAtomArielAtom500ArielAtomV8ArielV8atomatom 500atom v8Atom500AtomV8caterham levanteCaterhamLevanters performanceRsPerformanceRussell SavoryRussellSavorysimon saundersSimonSaundersMon, 08 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on the 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/more-details-on-the-500-hp-ariel-atom-500-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/more-details-on-the-500-hp-ariel-atom-500-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/more-details-on-the-500-hp-ariel-atom-500-v8/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ariel Atom 500 V8 - Click either image for a high-res image gallery

When it comes to power and lightweight, enough is never enough. And so, Ariel (finally) gives us the Atom 500 V8, an 1,102-pound roadster boasting the highest power-to-weight ratio (1,000 hp-per-ton) of any production car to date. How does Ariel do it? It starts with the engine and gets more insane from there.

The heart of the Atom 500 is a Russell Savory (RS Developments) 2.4-liter V8 equipped with five valves per cylinder, a dry sump and a supercharger (no supercharger in the U.S.) 500 hp is available at a screaming 10,000 rpm, with power being delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential Sadev gearbox.

At each corner, Alcon four-pot brakes are nestled within Dymag magnesium wheels, with carbon fiber used liberally on the wheel arches, underbody tray, rear wing and formula-style front aerofoil.

All told, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 will hit 60 in under three seconds, blow past 100 mph in less than seven seconds and can be yours for... no word yet, but expect pricing to be released shortly. Hat tip to James!


Gallery: Ariel Atom 500 V8


[Source: Ariel]

More details on the 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500arielariel atomariel atom 500ariel atom 500 v8ariel atom v8ArielAtomArielAtom500ArielAtom500V8ArielAtomV8atomv8Thu, 28 May 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ariel planning all-new alt-powered vehicle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-ariel-planning-all-new-alt-powered-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-ariel-planning-all-new-alt-powered-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-ariel-planning-all-new-alt-powered-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle that won't be powered by a standard engine and would "break new ground in the same way that the Atom first did."

According to Ariel's head Simon Saunders, the new model will be a significant departure from the Atom, nixing the exposed tube-frame chassis and mid-ship powerplant. Those decisions have allowed Ariel to look at new drivetrains - including fuel cells and electric motors - but Saunders insists that the company's core philosophy of light weight and spine-crushing acceleration won't be compromised. Additionally, Ariel has no intention of competing with the world's largest automakers. Speaking with PistonHeads, Saunders said, "We don't want to take on the established manufacturers. We will use our knowledge from building the Atom to produce a car for a totally new segment."

Although plans for an all-new model packing a 12-liter engine producing between 600 and 800 hp have been shelved, Ariel is currently working on another Atom variant equipped with a 500 hp, 2.4-liter V8 aimed to compete with the Caterham R500. And if that wasn't enough, Ariel is also contemplating a return to its roots with production of a new motorcycle.


Gallery: Ariel Atom


[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: Ariel planning all-new alt-powered vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel alt powerariel atomariel evariel fuel cellArielAltPowerArielAtomArielEvArielFuelCellatomelectricevThu, 21 May 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Racer X Design RZ Formula ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/rendered-speculation-racer-x-design-rz-formula/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/rendered-speculation-racer-x-design-rz-formula/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/rendered-speculation-racer-x-design-rz-formula/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Racer X Design Formula RZ

The term "F1 car for the road" is as clichéd as "Darth Vader's new ride," but it's hard to look at the Racer X Design Formula RZ without drawing a comparison to open-wheeled track tools, along with the KTM X-Bow and K07 Spyder.

Racer X Design first appeared on our radar with the KC-427 Concept, a modern interpretation of the Cobra powered by a theoretical 6.4-liter V10. The Formula RZ takes a different tack, combing the attributes of the pioneering Ariel Atom and the aforementioned X-Bow and K07 with a customizable body - complete with removable nose cone and wing -- aimed at delivering a pure driving experience for a party of two.

The Formula RZ is simply a design study at the moment, so there's no mention of powerplants, gearboxes or curb weights, but that doesn't stop us from fantasizing about how the RZ would attack the track, and it shouldn't stop you from checking the renderings in the gallery below.

Gallery: Racer X Design Formula RZ


[Source: Racer X Design]

Rendered Speculation: Racer X Design RZ Formula originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomArielAtomformula rzFormulaRzk07 spyderK07Spyderktm x-bowKtmX-bowracer x designracer x design formula rzRacerXDesignRacerXDesignFormulaRzWed, 10 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[MAKE reader builds Ariel Atom replica out of spare parts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/make-reader-builds-ariel-atom-replica-out-of-spare-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/make-reader-builds-ariel-atom-replica-out-of-spare-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/make-reader-builds-ariel-atom-replica-out-of-spare-parts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of this home-built Ariel Atom replica

We can think of few better ways to spend our evenings than bending, welding and beating metal into submission to produce our own car and it seems that we are not alone. MAKE reader, Utah resident and Flickr user proximacentuari took the design of the Ariel Atom -- currently one of the most desirable track cars in existence -- and replicated it in his home garage. What's more, he documented the entire process with pictures and uploaded the whole thing to the internet. This is the coolest show-and-tell ever.

Powering the beast, known by its builder as z59, is a Honda K-Series four-cylinder engine from a wrecked Acura RSX. It's an impressive build, taking "15 months and at least 800 hours of work in the garage," all done without any official Ariel schematics. "The frame is completely custom. I didn't make a single measurement off the real car... what you see is a series of very educated guesses," according to the builder. Much of the car is made from scrap parts, including the bodywork from a number of old appliances, a kayak and a doghouse. Check out a few pics in our gallery and click here to see the entire photostream on Flickr. Thanks for the tip, Pedro!

Gallery: Home-built Ariel Atom replica


[Sources: Flickr, MAKE]

MAKE reader builds Ariel Atom replica out of spare parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomArielAtomdiydiy ariel atomdiy carDiyArielAtomDiyCarhome builthome built arielhome built carHomeBuilthomebuilt arielhomebuilt carHomebuiltArielHomeBuiltCarWed, 24 Sep 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Arial vs. KTM vs. Lotus 211 comparo in progress at the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/arial-vs-ktm-vs-lotus-211-comparo-in-progress-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/arial-vs-ktm-vs-lotus-211-comparo-in-progress-at-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/arial-vs-ktm-vs-lotus-211-comparo-in-progress-at-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: ,



Back in April, fellow Autoblogger Chris Tutor caught the Veritas RS3 heading out onto the Nurburgring for a photoshoot. Today, Chris took a brief break from his day-job to see what he could spy on the 'Ring's webcam and found the same trio of lightweight, track-tools that dance in our minds when we hit REM sleep. A Lotus 211, a KTM X-Bow and an Ariel Atom were all getting ready for their close-ups at the entrance to the Green Hell, likely a feature story for a European buff. There's no way to tell who's doing the shooting, but don't be surprised if a video begins floating around YouTube of the three track toys in the next couple of months. We'll keep an eye out.

Arial vs. KTM vs. Lotus 211 comparo in progress at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomArielAtomktm x-bowKtmX-bowlotuslotus 211Lotus211nurburgringWed, 06 Aug 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Somebody screen! Ariel Atom gets optional windshield]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/somebody-screen-ariel-atom-gets-optional-windshield/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/somebody-screen-ariel-atom-gets-optional-windshield/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/24/somebody-screen-ariel-atom-gets-optional-windshield/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've lost track of how many times we've watched Clarkson's track test of the Ariel Atom. It solidified the Atom's place in the track-day hierarchy, impressing with its insane speed, lateral grip and face warping abilities. But for those of us not content to look like a blowfish in full attack mode, Ariel has begun offering an optional windscreen on the Atom, eliminating the need for a helmet.

The new polycarbonate windscreen is semi-frameless, can be detached via five fittings and even includes wipers and a washer system to clear off the bugs that would have otherwise wound up on you and your passenger's forehead.

Ariel hasn't confirmed when the windshield will be available, but it's hoping to keep the cost of the screen and the wipers below £1000. Naturally, we've embedded the Atom's appearance on Top Gear after the break.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Somebody screen! Ariel Atom gets optional windshield

Somebody screen! Ariel Atom gets optional windshield originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomariel atom windscreenariel atom windshieldArielAtomArielAtomWindscreenArielAtomWindshieldatomThu, 24 Jul 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New company adopts Ariel Atom in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/new-company-adopts-ariel-atom-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/new-company-adopts-ariel-atom-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/new-company-adopts-ariel-atom-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



North American Ariel Atom production has left the auspices of Brammo Motorsports and been taken up by Trak Motorsports Incorporated, which has been working feverishly to put together a sales and manufacturing operation while also working with Brammo to maintain momentum on orders and refits to Atoms currently underway or back for upgrades. TMI started with the Atom as Brammo's Canadian distribution partner, and the company also puts on the Ariel Atom Experience events that have given it a huge amount of practical experience with a fleet of race-flogged Atoms.

Brammo and TMI have held close business ties since before Ariel licensed Atom production to Brammo, and the two companies will maintain a relationship going forward. Brammo will be an official dealer of the forthcoming Atom 3, and they might also supply composite body parts to TMI. Brammo's sales territory and supplier relationship have yet to be fully determined, but don't look for Brammo to fold up its tent and leave the scene entirely. TMI's assumption of North American Atom manufacturing and support comes with a focused determination to produce the Atom 3 in a stable and secure manner from a new home base at Virginia International Raceway, as well as significant outreach efforts to fans and owners of the skeletal track weapon with a modest pricet ag offset by a voracious appetite for high dollar supercars. Thanks for the tip, nakul!

[Source: AtomClub.com]

Continue reading New company adopts Ariel Atom in the U.S.

New company adopts Ariel Atom in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomArielAtomatomatom 3Atom3brammomanufacturingMotorsportsordersproductiontmitmi autotechTmiAutotechTrakMon, 03 Mar 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[A-Bomb: Ariel Atom to get 500-hp supercharged V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/a-bomb-ariel-atom-to-receive-500hp-supercharged-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/a-bomb-ariel-atom-to-receive-500hp-supercharged-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/a-bomb-ariel-atom-to-receive-500hp-supercharged-v8/#commentsFiled under:

With over 500 horsepower and only 1,150 lbs. to schlep around, there's only one possible reason not to lust after the Caterham RST-V8 Levante, and that's the love-it-or-hate-it "classic" styling. Fortunately, emerging reports suggest that RS Performance, the same outfit that shoehorned the supercharged micro-block V8 into the Super 7, is working its magic on another super-lightweight British track star: the Ariel Atom.

Like the Caterham RST-V8, the Atom 500 will feature the RS Performance 2.4-liter 40-valve supercharged V8 driving through a six-speed transmission with flat-shift ability. And just in case the Ariel Atom doesn't look extreme enough, the V8 version will get a bunch of carbon fiber bits and a different color scheme. Considering that the existing Honda-sourced 300-hp supercharged four gets the Atom up to sixty in under three seconds, the 500-hp version will melt your face off.

[Source: Motive]

A-Bomb: Ariel Atom to get 500-hp supercharged V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500hp ariel atom500hpArielAtomariel atomArielAtomrs performance ariel atomRsPerformanceArielAtomThu, 28 Feb 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ariel Atom-like-looks for fraction of price and performance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/25/ariel-atom-like-looks-for-fraction-of-price-and-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/25/ariel-atom-like-looks-for-fraction-of-price-and-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/25/ariel-atom-like-looks-for-fraction-of-price-and-performance/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear seems to think the Ariel Atom is perfect for middle-aged guys with a little extra cash and not enough foolishness for motorcycles. But most of the middle-aged guys we know have all their extra cash tied up not in little cars, but in little kids.

If you, too, are a family man who could never justify spending money on the impractical Ariel Atom, then this could just be the car (kart?) for you. The KG650cc is a 727-pound, two-seat go-kart powered by a 27.6-horsepower 644cc engine. That gives each horse about 26 pounds to carry, compared to the Atom's 3.3 pounds per horse. And at only 9 feet in length and 3-feet wide, even the cramped Atom has this kart beaten in comfort.

But hey, your neighbors don't know an Ariel Atom from a Corbin Sparrow. Just play the famous video of Clarkson making a fool of himself in the Atom, and no one needs to know you only spent about $8,100 on your little race car.

BONUS: Check out video of the Atom-like go kart after the jump.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading Ariel Atom-like-looks for fraction of price and performance

Ariel Atom-like-looks for fraction of price and performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel atomAriel atom go-kartArielAtomArielAtomGo-kartMon, 25 Feb 2008 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ariel Atom builders heart the environment, change new supercar from V12 to all-electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/#commentsFiled under: ,



If we're honest, most decisions in the business world, especially in the auto industry, aren't made for altruistic reasons. Money is the name of the game, and as the environment is becoming a much talked about issue around the dinner table, many automakers are realizing that it's in their best interest, financially speaking, to develop greener vehicles.

Craig Bramscher, the CEO of Brammo Motorsports, which builds the Ariel Atom in the U.S., seems to have changed the course of his company's direction based on the revelation that it could be making less of an impact on the environment. Brammo had been developing a new supercar called the Rogue GT that was to be powered by a V12 engine swilling gasoline like there was no tomorrow. Since Bramscher has realized there is a tomorrow, however, he's changed the product plan to make the supercar all-electric and renamed it the Enertia GT. This could be the beginning of a lineup of EV vehicles from Brammo, as it just unveiled an all-electric motorcycle last week called the Enertia. While the Enertia GT is likely to have a lower top speed than the Rogue GT due to the switch, acceleration is expected to improve. There's no word on what type of batteries the car will use or how far it will go on a charge, either.

While one could certainly question Bramscher's motivation for going green (one might argue you can attract more attention with an electric supercar than it could with one powered by a V12 engine), it appears the CEO just grew a soft spot for Mother Earth and is changing his dirty ways.

[Source: Winding Road]

Ariel Atom builders heart the environment, change new supercar from V12 to all-electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-EVAriel AtomArielAtomBrammo MotorsportsBrammoMotorsportsCraig BramscherCraigBramscherelectric supercarelectric vehicleElectricSupercarElectricVehicleEnertia GTEnertiaGtRogue GTRogueGtFri, 13 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Brooke Double R gets power bump from blower]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/26/brooks-double-r-gets-power-bump-from-blower/#commentsFiled under:



Ariel Atoms, Caterham Superlights, KTM X Bows, Derondas and the like tend to follow a certain formula that happens to be very successful in the world of racing. Keep it simple, keep it light, and keep it balanced. They don't need 500-hp V10s to prove their point. Small rev-happy motors that can churn out 140, 180, 220 hp are the norm, but there are always options. Some people look at these horsepower figures and think, "I know it offers a superior driving experience and can lap any given track as quickly as cars with rheww times the power, but what if this car had that much power, too?" That is why Brooke will now be offering a supercharged version of its Ford Duratec powerplant for use in the Double R. While horsepower can easily reach more than 400, they think the final tune will be around 350. Not a huge jump over the top current option at 300, but it will have twice the torque of the lesser motor, as well. That should really make things interesting in this sub-ton car.

[Source: Autocar]

Brooke Double R gets power bump from blower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel AtomArielAtomBrooks Double RBrooksDoubleRCaterhamDerondaKTM X BowKtmXBowMon, 26 Mar 2007 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Deronda Type-F: Detroit-built bomber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/deronda-type-f-detroit-built-bomber/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/deronda-type-f-detroit-built-bomber/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/14/deronda-type-f-detroit-built-bomber/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image for more pics of the Deronda Type-F

For those going to Sebring this weekend for the kickoff of the ALMS racing season, you might catch yourself doing a double take when you see this little rocket. What at first may appear to be an Ariel Atom is in fact the new Deronda. Never heard of it? Neither had we. The Deronda is another British project that is making its way to the States. The car is making its public debut at Sebring International Raceway, which seems appropriate as this sub-category of sports cars looks like abandoned Formula 1 cars that have had some basic road requirements added to make them streetable. The formula is simple: use a basic tube frame chassis with double wishbone suspension all around, keep it light with grippy tires and add a decent amount of power. The result is a car that should provide the elemental thrills of a superbike with the surefootedness of a race car.

Although the design is British, the heart is German. The Deronda uses an Audi 1.8-liter, turbo 4 developed by Audi Cosworth Technology. In current tune, it is putting out 250hp. We know for a fact that this engine can easily achieve nearly twice surpass that amount of power after chipping and a few other mods, but 250 is plenty when you only have 1,600 pounds to move around. As it is, the Deronda should be good for a 0-60 in under four seconds. To further confuse the national identity of this rocket, the car will be built in Michigan, just outside Detroit. Autosport Development will handle the assembly in Trenton, Michigan, and the car will be distributed by Sirius Motorsports starting in May. No prices were available, but with Atom prices in the $40-50 thousand range, we expect the Deronda to be in the same ballpark.

[Source: Deronda USA via Winding Road]

Gallery: Deronda Type-F

Deronda Type-F: Detroit-built bomber originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel AtomArielAtomAudi Cosworth Technologyaudi turboAudiCosworthTechnologyAudiTurboAutosport DevelopmentAutosportDevelopmentDerondaDetroitformula carFormulaCarSebringSirius MotorsportsSiriusMotorsportssports carSportsCarWed, 14 Mar 2007 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ariel Atom Experience: Coming to a city (maybe) near you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/ariel-atom-experience-coming-to-a-city-maybe-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/ariel-atom-experience-coming-to-a-city-maybe-near-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/21/ariel-atom-experience-coming-to-a-city-maybe-near-you/#commentsFiled under: ,



Oh, man, wouldn't it be nice to have an Ariel Atom for a day on a wide open track? North America's hook up for the Atom, Brammo, is offering a few lucky folks just that chance. They're loading up a handful of the lightweight two-seaters and touring North America with the Ariel Atom Experience.

At a few select tracks around the country, only 14 drivers a day will get seat time in an Ecotec-powered Ariel Atom 2, along with professional driving instructors personally teaching you how best to handle them. Other amenities include gourmet lunch, in-car video and photographers capturing that aer-to-ear grin on your face for all eternity. All this is included in the low price of, uh, well, we don't know yet. The Ariel Atom Experience Web site omits any mention of cost, though it does make clear a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, which makes us think that a day in an a tiny Atom will take a lot of little Benjamins.

To see a list of tracks and dates, click through to the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Eric!

Continue reading Ariel Atom Experience: Coming to a city (maybe) near you

Ariel Atom Experience: Coming to a city (maybe) near you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArielAriel AtomAriel Atom ExperienceArielAtomArielAtomExperienceAtomBrammoBrammo Ariel AtomBrammoArielAtomdrive Ariel AtomDriveArielAtomdriving Ariel AtomDrivingArielAtomWed, 21 Feb 2007 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[More images of the KTM X-Bow released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/more-images-of-the-ktm-x-bow-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/more-images-of-the-ktm-x-bow-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/06/more-images-of-the-ktm-x-bow-released/#commentsFiled under: ,



Over the weekend, we were finally able to catch a glimpse of a computer-generated mockup of the X-Bow, KTM's track day terror. Now, a month ahead of its debut in Geneva, images of a scale mockup have been released, providing much more detail on the Ariel Atom's closest competition.

Looking over some of the close-ups, the exhaust outlet is a pretty trick component, along with the bevy of carbon fiber diffusers, exposed coilovers and that subtle, yet menacing wing. We could go on, but our salivary glands are working overtime every time we start thinking about this 1,500-pound apex assassin. March isn't coming quick enough.

Click the image above for our full gallery, or choose one of the thumbnails below.

Thanks for the tip, Helmut!

Gallery: KTM X-Bow

More images of the KTM X-Bow released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomArielAtomaudiktmx-bowTue, 06 Feb 2007 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Too sane for a superbike? Check the RoadRazer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/20/roadrazer-as-close-as-youll-get-to-a-superbike-with-four-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/20/roadrazer-as-close-as-youll-get-to-a-superbike-with-four-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/20/roadrazer-as-close-as-youll-get-to-a-superbike-with-four-wheel/#commentsFiled under: ,



Over the past few years, it's become apparent that Colin Chapman's philosophy of speed through lightweight is not exclusive to the marque he helped to establish. The Ariel Atom seems to have garnered the most press recently, but a host of other minimalist, four-wheeled track toys are beginning to populate this uber-niche segment.

This latest addition is the RoadRazer, which at first glance seems to have more in common with a gravity racer than a piece of F1 inspired kit. Once you pull away the scorched orange paint, you'll be greeted with the telltale weave of carbon fiber, along with an aluminum honeycomb monocoque. Because of the extensive use of these lightweight materials, the RoadRazer barely tips the scales at 660 pounds.

While other manufacturers have opted to utilize engines from production automobiles, the RoadRazer crew looked towards the superbike world for motivation. A 180 HP, 1.3-liter Suzuki mill, pulled from the Hayabusa, resides behind the driver and his reluctant passenger. Gear selection is handled via steering wheel mounted paddles that link up to a six-speed sequential gearbox. With that much power, that many revs and about half the mass of an Atom, 60 MPH will come up in three seconds dead. Judging by the specs, there's little evidence to dispute that claim.

Although pricing hasn't been revealed, when we reported on the RoadRazer back in September, the sum of £49,000 (about $95k+) was being bandied about. We got some pricing straight from the source, and a turnkey example of the Razor will go for £35,000 (plus VAT) and £19,900 (plus VAT) for the Razor as a kit (minus the motorcycle parts and paint).

Follow the jump for a promotional video of the RoadRazer and be sure to check out the gallery.

Gallery: Road Razer

Continue reading Too sane for a superbike? Check the RoadRazer

Too sane for a superbike? Check the RoadRazer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomArielAtomroadrazerSat, 20 Jan 2007 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Ariel Atom to see a price hike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ariel-atom-to-see-a-price-hike/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ariel-atom-to-see-a-price-hike/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ariel-atom-to-see-a-price-hike/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We know it's December and most thoughts of driving a car with no top or heater are the furthest thing from your mind, but if you were considering ordering an Ariel Atom in the spring, you'd better add it to your Christmas wish list in bold letters. As of December 29th, Brammo Motorsports, makers of the Atom, are upping the base price by around $4,500. They will honor 2006 pricing on all orders placed before the December 29th cutoff.

It seems that the GM-sourced Ecotec four-cylinder engine powering the Atom was promotionally priced to get them out into the marketplace. Effective January 1, the promotion ends and the substantial price increase will have to be passed on to the consumer.

Click here to go to the company's website to spec out your own Atom. If you get your order in for Christmas, before the price increase, the current waiting list dictates that your Ariel Atom should be ready for delivery just as the weather breaks and you can actually enjoy the driving attributes without the concern for frostbite.

[Source: Winding Road]

Ariel Atom to see a price hike originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel AtomArielAtomEcotecGMThu, 14 Dec 2006 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Ariel Atom in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/28/video-ariel-atom-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/28/video-ariel-atom-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/28/video-ariel-atom-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Given that it's Memorial Day weekend here in the States, it's time to observe an 'oldie but a goodie' - Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson caning an Ariel Atom. The eight-minute show opens with some great shots of the minimalist Honda-powered two-seater, followed by Clarkson racing--and beating--a motorcycle around the track. The close-up of Clarkson's neck and cheek getting pulled back by the velocity leaves one gasping at the sheer power of the Atom, and at least one staffer contemplating selling his soul in exchange for ownership.

Related: U.S. version of Ariel Atom using Ecotecs,
Up and Atom

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

(Top tip, J!)

Video: Ariel Atom in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 May 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ariel AtomArielAtomAtomHondaHonda K-SeriesHondaK-seriesJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonTop GearTopGearSun, 28 May 2006 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. version of Ariel Atom using Ecotecs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/30/u-s-version-of-ariel-atom-using-ecotecs/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/30/u-s-version-of-ariel-atom-using-ecotecs/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/12/30/u-s-version-of-ariel-atom-using-ecotecs/#commentsFiled under:


In an email sent out to prospective customers, Brammo Motorsports, the manufacturer and distributor of the Ariel Atom, has revealed juicy info about the U.S. version of its doorless, screenless, roofless wonder. The company has just finished testing the Yankee Atom in Arizona at General Motors' proving grounds with a 2.0L, 245-hp Ecotec engine. GM engineers were on hand and reportedly mighty impressed by the little car's trip to 60 that took only 2.8 seconds.

Orders are now being taken for the 2006 Ariel Atom in the U.S. and Brammo Motorsports has even got some incentives for motivation. If you purchase a 205-hp GM Ecotec for your Atom it will be upgraded to a 230-hp Ecotec for free. Likewise order a 230-hp Ecotec and you'll get a 245-hp version for free. Also, there's a $750 discount on all Honda engines, as well. We didn't go through the online order configurator so we can't tell you what final prices are like, but regardless we're guessing they're less than the tax you'd pay on an Enzo.

Hurry up and get the Camry on eBay as production slots for the 2006 Ariel Atom in the U.S. are supposedly filling up quickly.

[Thanks Peter for the tip]

U.S. version of Ariel Atom using Ecotecs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2005 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomArielAtomecotecgmFri, 30 Dec 2005 07:30:00 EST