This isn't traditional in any way but what a toy--the ones for the US market will get the Ecotec engine I guess. I can't believe they can get it to market here.I just thought anyone that hasn't seen this would enjoy it---- 0-100-0 in less than 11 sec. I saw it on TV and it will fly. (http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/frames.htm) You can type in Ariel Atom in your browser and pickup more info. Welcome to the 21'st century.
Neat concept. It was tried back in the mid 90's with the Rocket over in the isle o'limeys. The Rocket was a single seat race car that could be driven on the road to and from events. I dont think it was all that successful.
Here's the US site: www.arielatom.com. The American-built Atoms have a number of improvements. The frames are welded instead of brazed (!), there are some closer tolerances in panel fitting, and, as junkman said, they'll be powered by Ecotecs. I'm actually getting a 230 horse supercharged one!
There was one sitting in the building at our school the other day (industrial design at AAU) its a very very cool car, for some reason (the owner wasnt around to ask) the owner had put an electric motor into it though, I didnt quite unserstand the resoning behind that. It should be intresting to see how they do with the Ecotecs from GM in them though.
I saw it on top gear out of the UK, the dude's face looked like it was going to peel off of his head!.. I'm jealous
How on earth is it certified for the US --no windshield--no bumpers--and no airbags I'm sure. Looks like a screaming hotrod without all the extras on other cars,like a body
There's a dual Hayabusa motored Seven around that makes the Atom look silly. one motor for the front wheels, the other for the back.
It's sold as a "you build it at home" kind of thing. Home construction cars have different rules to live by.
one of my pet project ideas is to build a dual hayabusa engined Geo Metro, i kinda figured it would make a mean sleeper.
Hey! Thats not playing the game! If it isn't a production car how can it matter? There are loads of "1 offs" that could match that performance. I don't think the '0-100-0' test can apply here in the same way it did to the 427 Cobra or other production cars.
Build it at home is how you get it in without all the extra taxes. That's how Colin Chapman did it back in the fifties with the Lotus Seven. Same concept with newer mechanicals. I like it....but then, I have a seven frame here at the shop, so I am a bit biased.
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