Ariel developing titanium Atom chassis

Just last week, we heard reports that the KTM X-Bow would be getting a substantial power increase thanks to a new model using the excellent engine from the Audi TT-RS, but now its rival, the Ariel Atom, could be going in another direction for improved track performance. AutoCar is reporting that the open-wheel, open-top sports car could be getting an available all-titanium tube frame for a substantial drop in curb weight.

The article indicates that the weight of the chassis alone could drop by about 40 percent, which would lead to an overall dip in curb weight of eight percent. This would mean that the Atom's already spindly 1,350-pound curb weight could drop to less than 1,250 pounds. A titanium-framed Ariel would likely be a limited edition, according to the report, but it sounds like there are no plans to move the Atom away from its high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder sourced from Honda.