Latest news with #ArielAtom
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ariel Celebrates 25 Years of the Atom With Its Most Powerful Model Yet
Ariel Motor Company, the renowned British manufacturer of ultra-lightweight, no-compromise sports cars, is marking the 25th anniversary of the Ariel Atom with its most potent and exclusive variant yet: the Atom 4RR. Limited to just 25 individually tailored examples, this road-legal, track-focused machine will deliver an astonishing 525 bhp and 550 Nm of torque from a heavily reworked turbocharged Honda 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Built on the proven Atom 4R platform, the new 4RR features a host of internal engine changes, along with revised oil and fuel systems, to maximize performance. Ariel describes it as the ultimate expression of its 'serious fun' philosophy, aimed at drivers who want to push their skills and the Atom's engineering to the absolute limit. Pricing and full technical details will follow later this year. The new model not only celebrates 25 years of the Atom, but also underlines Ariel's heritage as a company dating back to 1871, when it produced the pioneering Ordinary, or 'Penny Farthing,' bicycle, the world's first series-production vehicle. As Ariel writes a new chapter with the Atom 4RR, here's a look back at the evolution of one of Britain's most radical sports cars: Launched at the turn of the millennium, the original Atom shocked the performance-car world. With a 120bhp Rover engine and Ariel's now-iconic exposed tubular space frame, it embodied an entirely fresh vision: extreme lightness, ultra-minimalist design, and a thrilling, highly configurable driving experience. The 'No Doors, No Windscreen, No Roof' ethos made the Atom a true driver's machine and helped cement its legend among purists. The second-generation Atom switched to Honda power, adopting the high-revving 220bhp Civic Type R K20 engine. From 2005, Ariel offered an optional supercharger pushing power to 275bhp, adding another level of performance, and introducing that unforgettable supercharger whine. Engineering and design updates further refined what was already a visceral driving experience. The Atom 3 brought a significant overhaul. A revised chassis, upgraded suspension, and updated bodywork made the car even more capable. Standard output rose to 245bhp, while a supercharged option lifted power to 300bhp. In 2010, Ariel built a very special edition: the Atom V8. This 25-car limited run boasted up to 500bhp and a spine-tingling 10,000rpm redline, taking the Atom philosophy to the extreme. Refining the Atom 3 platform, the Atom 3.5 improved engine management, steering, suspension, and bodywork, while retaining the same fundamental chassis. A year later, the even more hardcore 3.5R arrived with 367bhp, a sequential gearbox, and further suspension upgrades, cementing the Atom's place as a benchmark for raw, lightweight performance. Every part of the Atom was reimagined for the Atom 4, apart from the fuel filler cap, steering wheel, and pedals. As the first turbocharged Atom, it utilized a 2.0-liter Honda Civic Type R engine, producing 320bhp with switchable boost, and was backed by a stiffer chassis, advanced geometry, and adjustable driver aids, including traction control and launch control. With a stunning power-to-weight ratio and exceptional handling, the Atom 4 raised the bar for lightweight, road- and track-oriented sports cars. In 2023, Ariel further advanced the Atom 4 platform with the introduction of the 4R. This time, the same Honda turbo engine was tuned to 400bhp and 500Nm, resulting in the 4R achieving an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio of nearly 600bhp per tonne. Designed for the most dedicated drivers, the Atom 4R delivered electrifying track performance while remaining road-legal. As Ariel gears up to celebrate the Atom's 25th birthday, the 525bhp Atom 4RR stands as a fitting tribute to a quarter-century of engineering passion, fearless innovation, and that uniquely analog driving experience. With just 25 bespoke cars to be built, the 4RR will be among the rarest and most potent Ariels ever made. For those lucky enough to secure one, it promises a driving experience unlike anything else on the road or the track.
Motor 1
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Most Powerful Ariel Atom Is Here to Tear Your Face Off
Would you believe that the Ariel Atom is already 25 years old? It's true—the first Atom debuted at the turn of the millennium, and it's been tearing up tracks in the UK and Europe ever since. Now, a quarter century of success later, Ariel has introduced its most powerful version of the iconic Atom to date. Ahead of this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed , Ariel debuted the new Atom 4RR. The 4RR packs a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Honda Civic Type R and gets even more aerodynamic goodies for better performance on the track. With upgraded internals and optimized oil and fuel systems, Ariel pumped the 4RR's four-cylinder engine to an impressive 525 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. That's 125 hp more than the standard Atom 4R—and 25 hp more still than the infamous Atom V-8. With that extra output in tow, the 4RR should be even quicker to 62 miles per hour than its sibling; the Atom 4R already gets there in 2.7 seconds and races on to a top speed of around 170. Unfortunately, Ariel hasn't provided all the performance figures just yet. A massive Formula 1-style splitter adorns the front end of the car, while an equally sizable wing juts up from the rear. Plus, there are two hulking intakes just behind the seats for even better airflow to the engine. Ariel will only build 25 examples of the Atom 4RR, and pricing won't be released until a later date. But with a powerful new engine and a boatload of additional equipment, there's a reason Ariel says it's for "serious track drivers" only. The Latest From Ariel Ariel Atom 4R Laps the Top Gear Test Track Quicker Than the Old V-8 Ariel's New Off-Roader Has a Powerful Focus ST Engine Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW M4 Power And Half A Miata's Weight: Meet The Ariel Atom 4RR
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. New 4RR will have an outrageous power-to-weight ratio In a world where too many new cars try to be all things to all people, Ariel Motor Company and its lightweight, hopelessly impractical yet hyper-focused Atom sports car is a refreshing change. Conceived for no other reason than the unadulterated joy of driving, the Atom has found many fans over the last quarter of a century. Now, to celebrate 25 years of the Atom, the UK-based manufacturer has revealed the Atom 4RR. This ultimate edition is the most powerful Atom ever and is sure to turn every track day into a heart-pounding, sweaty-palmed experience. Even More Power Than Atom V8 Ariel Atom 4RR — Source: Ariel The 4RR uses a special version of Honda's 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Type R. In this form, it delivers a raucous 525 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Improved oil and fuel systems, along with an array of internal alterations, have resulted in these extreme outputs. To put 525 horsepower into perspective, that's 2 hp more than the BMW M4 Competition xDrive, and the Bimmer has an extra liter of capacity and two more cylinders. Source: Ariel Built on the platform of the 4R, the 4RR will still adhere to the brand's lightweight philosophy. Further technical specifications, such as the 4RR's weight, will only be announced later in the year. However, we do know that the 4R weighs around 1,250 pounds, and there's no reason to assume the 4RR will be significantly heavier. For some perspective, that's roughly half the weight of a Mazda MX-5 Miata with the automatic transmission. A picture released of the new 4R shows off a cool yellow and black color scheme, along with the open cockpit, open wheels, and exposed suspension components we're used to seeing from the Atom. The front splitter looks straight off an F1 car, and there's also a tall rear wing to help with aerodynamics. 4RR Builds On Impressive Atom Lineage Ariel Atom 1 Ariel Atom 2 Ariel Atom 3 Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The original Atom and its legendary tubular space frame chassis arrived in 2000. It used a Rover engine that made just 120 hp, a long way off the new 4RR's 525 horses. But the car's incredibly lithe body didn't require much power at all. Between 2003 and 2007, the Atom 2 used Honda power for the first time, with a supercharged version eventually producing 275 hp – and a distinctive whine. For 2007, the Atom 3 got a completely new chassis, body, and suspension, while its Honda engine made 300 hp in supercharged form. It was here that the limited Atom V8 arrived, too; it revved to 10,000 rpm and made 500 hp. Between 2012 and 2018, the Atom 3.5 received a new engine from the Type R, and the suspension was overhauled once more. The 3.5R made 367 hp and used a sequential gearbox. Ariel Atom 4 Ariel Atom 4R Ariel Atom V8 This set the scene for 2018's Atom 4. Still around now, every aspect of it was redesigned besides the pedals, steering wheel, and fuel filler cap. This model also received the latest Type R engine, and in so doing, became the first turbocharged Atom. Switchable ABS, traction, and launch control were added, but all driver aids could be disabled. In 2023, the Atom 4R raised the bar once more, this time with a 400-hp version of the Honda engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 600 hp per tonne. The 4RR makes one wonder how much power the little track monster can handle, but we're sure Atom isn't done with the Ariel yet. Source: Ariel About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Express
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Ariel Atom 4RR is a 525bhp face-melting track car
Brace yourselves everyone, because this is the new Ariel Atom 4RR: the most powerful version of the ultra-lightweight track car ever, which has been launched to celebrate 25 years since this life-size Lego Technic kit hit the road. Like the regular Atom 4, it's powered by the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine from the Honda Civic Type R. But for the 4RR, Ariel has added revised internals and new components, as well as upgrading the oil and fuel systems, allowing the motor to spit out 525bhp and 550Nm of torque. That's more than four times as much power as the original Ariel Atom produced from its Rover K-Series engine, and even the Ariel Atom V8 – which used a bespoke 3.0-litre V8 – had 'just' 475bhp on tap. In fact, the Atom 4RR has more power than the latest BMW M3, all of which is sent to the rear wheels – as has always been the way with the Atom – while the car will still weigh less than 700kg. Advertisement - Article continues below Ariel hasn't announced any exact weight or performance figures for the Atom 4RR just yet, however considering the 400bhp Atom 4R tipped the scales 665kg and could do 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds, we think the new model might pull off the sprint in 2.5 seconds or less. Similarly, we're assuming Ariel has made other changes for the Atom 4RR beyond just bolting in the more powerful engine, because the car is claimed to 'enable the most serious track drivers to explore the limits of the lightweight Atom, while utilising the full extent of their driving skills'. More technical details will be released later in the year, as will the price tag. But we know that only 25 examples of the Ariel Atom 4RR will be produced, and all will be made to order. Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals… Find a car with the experts Fastest-accelerating cars in the world 2025 Combustion-engined supercars are making a last stand against electrified machines in the fastest accelerating car stakes, here are all the top contend… Best cars & vans 5 Jun 2025 Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It's our Deal of the Day for 29 June Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production There's also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
Top Gear
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The 525bhp ‘4RR' is the most powerful Ariel Atom ever
The 525bhp '4RR' is the most powerful Ariel Atom ever It marks a quarter of a century of production, and so only 25 will be made Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. This here is the Ariel Atom '4RR', conceived to mark 25 years of the pint-sized sports car. It's also the most powerful Atom ever created, automatically christening it as the new Final Boss of Scaffolding. Somehow, it's road-legal. Based on the already bonkers 4R, the track-focused 4RR uses a bespoke version of the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot (plugged from the Honda Civic Type R). Though thanks to revised components, including optimised fuel and oil systems, the needle has been flicked right up to 525bhp and 406lb ft. Good lord. Advertisement - Page continues below No confirmation as yet of acceleration and top speed figures, but given this thing has an extra 125bhp over a 'regular' 4R, it'll likely better the 0-62mph time (2.7s) and stretch the 170mph vmax even further. And would you just look at it? The body is peppered with sharp edges to profit as much aero as possible from the F1-style splitter and slender rear wing. No wonder Ariel's aiming this thing at 'the most serious track drivers'. There's also a gopping great intake behind the seats, and even bigger ones ahead of the rear wheel arches. Because that's what the Atom's always lacked... exposure to air. Ahem. Pricing for the 4RR will be revealed later this year, but Ariel says just 25 units will be built. Best act fast. Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
