The Ariel Atom itself is already a face-tearing pocket rocket. Sticking to the no-frills concept, the Atom 3.5 introduced back in 2012 is already considered as a hardcore machine with a supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from a Honda Civic Type R propelling this lightweight car. But their need for speed does not stop there as Ariel has been fiddling with the 3.5 to come out with a more powerful version simply known as the 3.5R.
By upgrading the charge-cooler system, they are now able to increase the supercharger’s boost, giving it an output of 350-horsepower and over 243 lb-ft of torque. Combine that with a lightweight body that weighs only 550kg, the 3.5R boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 636-horsepower per ton, giving it the ability to blast from zerotohundred in just 2.6 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 250km/h.
All the grunt is sent to the rear wheels via a new Sadev six-speed sequential race gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The upshifts are timed at less than 40 milliseconds and the downshifts at less than 50. It is said that the 3.5R is able to complete five downshifts in less than one second. Other upgrades on the new 3.5R include Ohlins dampers that can be tuned with springs for road, track, and race settings on Ariel’s improved pushrod suspension system.
The car also offers tailor made specifications to meet the driver’s needs from the bodywork, wheels, brakes, and also an adjustable limited-slip differential. The Ariel Atom 3.5R will go on sale later this year with a price tag of £64,800 (RM 353,789).
