All-new 320bhp Ariel Atom 4 makes first appearance at Goodwood

Ariel plans to make 100 cars annually alongside its Nomad and Ace motorbike at its factory in Somerset. It will also be built under licence in the US, a vital market for the maker. Plus, it will be the first Ariel vehicle to undergo a specific type approval that allows it to be sold throughout Europe and Australasia.

Ariel director Tom Siebert said the move helped answer the “enormous demand in [Europe] and elsewhere in the world”. He added: “British-built, low-volume vehicles appeal on many different levels, and type approval is key to our future commitment to service these markets effectively.”

The basis of the Atom 4 is a new tubular chassis, built in-house, which features larger-diameter main and diagonal tubes than previous Atoms. Torsional stiffness has been increased by 15% compared with the previous-generation Atom 3.5, launched in 2013.

The chassis also promises more interior space and leg room, and it has been proven to exceed the demands of a full-frontal 50km/h (31mph) barrier impact, seatbelt and rear impact test, said Ariel.

Building on Ariel’s 15-year relationship with Honda UK, the Atom uses the latest Civic Type R’s 320bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing 310lb ft. That is a 75% increase in torque over the standard Atom 3.5 and a 35% rise over the supercharged Atom 3.5. Saunders called the deal “critical”, adding: “Type R engines have proven themselves in Atoms over the years, with dependable power and absolutely faultless reliability, even under race conditions.”

The engine has been mapped by Ariel using an ECU developed specifically for the car and optional launch and traction control are now included, derived from the Atom V8. The Atom 4 is also able to adjust and optimise turbo boost levels for different road and track conditions.

There is a larger fuel tank than before, giving a road range of 300 miles.

The Atom 4 retains the inboard, pushrod-operated damper system but features all-new suspension geometry, which includes revised inboard and outboard points plus anti-squat and anti-dive intended to reduce unnecessary body roll and weight transfer.

This and the revised steering rack make the Atom accessible for all types of drivers, says Ariel, and there’s the option of a quick rack for track-focused cars.

The model sits on 16in front and 17in rear wheels. Multi-spoke alloy wheels are standard but there is also the option of full carbon wheels for the first time. These are nearly 50% lighter than alloy wheels. The Atom 4 uses high- performance Avon ZZR tyres.

Ariel said: “The combination of new suspension and larger- section Avon tyres contributes to the Atom 4 having more mechanical grip than any previous Atom.” It added that cornering speed moves to “another level”.

There's also a new, larger braking set-up to accommodate the Atom’s extra power.

Ariel has done significant work to the body, with all-new panels improving aerodynamics. The most obvious change is the disappearance of the central Atom roll hoop, now enclosed under the air intake bodywork.The Atom’s ‘aero screen’ now reaches all the way across the car, reducing ‘helmet lift’ and directing air to the engine intake, and with just this aero fence, claims Ariel, generates nominal downforce.

Comment by Matt Prior: "I can’t wait to drive it" 

Ariel has often wondered how big it ought to grow as a car and bike company. When you’re small and doing interesting things that nobody else is doing, life is great. When you’re large and competing with the big players, life can also be great. Being stuck somewhere in between, with a model that has obvious direct competitors but without the full benefit of an economy of scale to compete fully, is a position Ariel hasn’t wanted to be in.