2009 Ariel Atom Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Most cars prefer to hide their frame behind smooth, curved sheets of steel and surround the driver with a metal roof and a glass windshield...
Most cars prefer to hide their frame behind smooth, curved sheets of steel and surround the driver with a metal roof and a glass windshield and windows. But then, most cars can't get from a standstill up to 100 mph and back to a stop in less than 12 seconds. The Ariel Atom dares to be different.
From the beginning, the Atom has worn its skeleton on the outside, had an entirely open cockpit with no windshield (though it now offers optional windscreens), and astonished drivers with its speed and handling. The Atom has been outfitted with a number of different engines, the most powerful of which are a 220-280-hp supercharged Honda four-cylinder VTEC and a 300-hp GM Ecotec V8. The Atom has won Autocar's 0-100-0 challenge three times, most recently on August 30, 2008, in 11.5 seconds.
The Atom's strengths are its acceleration and handling. It tops out at about 140 mph, which isn't terribly impressive within its class, but it can also get from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds. Its suspension features two double unequal length wishbones and hand-adjustable dampers for the suspension, springs, and wheel camber that result in race-car accurate and adjustable handling.
The Atom's certainly not for everyone, but it will serve as a perfect track car for some. And while its $65,000 U.S. base price isn't cheap, it's a lot less than that of many of the cars it consistently outperforms.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers are thrilled with the 2009 Ariel Atom's incredible performance and handling, calling it an exhilarating track car. Many praised its lightning-fast acceleration and enjoyable driving experience, often likening it to a go-kart with superior power. However, some noted that while it excels in speed and fun, it's primarily suited for track use and may not be practical for everyday driving. A few drivers also found the styling to be lacking, particularly the interior aesthetics."
excellent car for track use...wil be had pushed to find a better car..i dare anyone to beat this car on a tack...mind blowing perfomane as well as handling.....cheers...always welome to try it out beside me.
August 18, 2009PERFORMANCE: acceleration- 0-100 in less than 4 s braking - the car is light so he has very good braking handling - this car got a handling like a lancer BUILD QUALITY: no repairs so far APPEARANCE: interior - light weight interior exterior - no exterior COST OF OWNERSHIP: cheep FUN FACTOR: very fun car to drive
September 15, 2009I went to the track to do some basic testing and a friend of mine showed up with the Ariel and it was something I had never seen before, lest of all heard of. Since my acquaintance knew I was capable and had skills he so kindly allowed me to test drive this machine. What a pleasure. It did take a few labs in order to get the feel for what this machine was all about. My opinion would be that the ride was about as close as you will get to a F1, sure felt like it. It is extremely fast and extremely accurate handling and very stable. I would buy one in a heart beat, but that's not to likely to happen any time soon.
February 7, 2013What owners say
excellent car for track use...wil be had pushed to find a better car..i dare anyone to beat this car on a tack...mind blowing perfomane as well as handling.....cheers...always welome to try it out beside me.
August 18, 2009PERFORMANCE: acceleration- 0-100 in less than 4 s braking - the car is light so he has very good braking handling - this car got a handling like a lancer BUILD QUALITY: no repairs so far APPEARANCE: interior - light weight interior exterior - no exterior COST OF OWNERSHIP: cheep FUN FACTOR: very fun car to drive
September 15, 2009I went to the track to do some basic testing and a friend of mine showed up with the Ariel and it was something I had never seen before, lest of all heard of. Since my acquaintance knew I was capable and had skills he so kindly allowed me to test drive this machine. What a pleasure. It did take a few labs in order to get the feel for what this machine was all about. My opinion would be that the ride was about as close as you will get to a F1, sure felt like it. It is extremely fast and extremely accurate handling and very stable. I would buy one in a heart beat, but that's not to likely to happen any time soon.
February 7, 2013speed like the caparo, brake slike lightning, handles beautifully, and never been in for repairs or maintenance. styling could be better on insode but ther outside is brilliant. 250/10 fun to drive because of what it can do to you! The price is very good too!
April 27, 2010It's taking corners really good and the acceleration is insanely fast. It's faster than a Mercedes Mclaren SLR. It's really fun to drive but only on tracks but then it will destroy your face. I like it much. It's expensive to drive.
April 3, 2010Good, very quick accelerating car, light weight and goes round corners very well, not that I own one lol Would buy one anyday over any car near the same price margin because this is like a little go kart with more power :D
December 1, 2009its a really cool car its quality is good its acceleration is to 60 is 3 seconds its expensive it does not need much maintenance its fun to drive very fun to drive and its fast very very very fast
November 19, 2011
