2024 Ariel Motor Atom 4R

• The 2024 Ariel Atom 4R cranks up the intensity with 400 hp from its 2.0 L turbocharged Honda engine and a sub‑700 kg kerb weight.

• Hit 0–62 mph in under 2.7 seconds, top speed around 170 mph—brutally fast in a raw, open-wheel package.

• Packed with performance tech: sequential gearbox, adjustable aero, ABS, traction control—track-ready but still road‑legal.

Proportions & Visual Cues

The Atom 4R is compact, raw, and purposeful. It’s roughly 3.5 m long, almost bare-bones. That forward-slanted nose, side pods swollen with intercoolers, and optional front/rear wings make it look primed for speed even standstill. The exoskeleton is clean—every tube visible—no bodywork fluff. It sits low, track-ready, and hungry.

Power: Small Engine, Big Intent

Crammed behind the driver's head is a heavily tuned 2.0‑L Honda turbo‑charged four-cylinder. In R mode it makes 400 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 370 lb‑ft torque @ 4,500 rpm—a sharp 25% bump over the standard Atom 4. With its tiny 665 kg kerb weight, it rockets to 62 mph in under 2.7 seconds and maxes out near 170 mph. Like a jet with wheels.

Racing-Inspired Gearbox & Aero

Fitted with a six-speed sequential gearbox and paddles, gear changes are brutal—downshifts in under a second, upshifts at full throttle. You can feel it slice through corners. Aero isn’t just for show either; computational fluid dynamics inform the wings atop the pods, delivering serious downforce with manageable drag. Side pods aren’t just aesthetic—they house radiators that boost cooling by up to 55–75%.

Brakes, ABS & Grip

For the first time on an Atom, there's a motorsport-grade ABS system with 12 adjustable levels, supported by traction control. That’s essential when you’re laying down 571 hp per tonne. Brembo carbon‑ceramic brakes, adjustable pushrod suspension from Öhlins, and stickier tires give it grit to match the punch. It’s laser‑precise, yet more composed than you might expect for such a wild ride.

In Context

Cars like the BAC Mono R or Caterham 620 exist in this realm, but the Atom 4R feels more visceral. It’s closer to a track weapon than an exotic halo car. Fewer rivals offer such raw immediacy in a road-legal setup. Sure, you could go for the Lotus 3‑Eleven or KTM X-Bow, but few cut the edges this finely.

Technical Specification

Performance:

• Power: 400 hp (298 kW) @ 6,300 rpm

• Torque: 370 lb‑ft (500 Nm) @ 4,500 rpm

• 0–62 mph: under 2.7 seconds

• Top speed: approximately 170 mph (274 km/h)

Body Measurements & Weight:

• Kerb weight: approximately 665 kg (1,466 lb)

• Length and width: evolved from Atom 4 platform; no major dimension changes

Powertrain:

• Engine: 2.0 L Honda K20C turbocharged inline-four (derived from Civic Type R)

• Transmission: 6‑speed manual gearbox (sequential paddle-shift optional)

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes:

• Side pods with intercoolers and radiators boosting cooling by 55–75%

• Adjustable aero: optional front and rear wing package providing ~110 kg downforce at 70 mph

• Suspension: adjustable pushrod-activated Öhlins dampers

• Brakes: carbon-ceramic or high-performance steel options; motorsport-grade ABS (12 settings) & traction control (7-stage)

Capacities & Fuel:

• Fuel tank: approximately 40 L (10.6 gal) aluminum tank

• Cooling system: dual side radiators; enlarged intercooler

Price:

• Standard UK base price: £77,940

• Fully optioned with carbon components and aero kit: around £140,000

• US equivalent Atom 4 base price: approximately $83,750 (before options)

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