The Ariel Atom is a two-seater purpose-built track car, based on a single-seater race car. The ultimate track day toy--it's the perfect weapon in Lotus Elise one-upmanship.
Many reviews refer--erroneously--to an insect's exoskeleton when describing the visual impact of the Atom. Unlike us, Insects have no internal skeleton framework--instead relying on a hard outer shell for protection and structural rigidity. So if anything--they're more like a monocoque!
The Atom on the other hand is truly skeletal. It's about as pared down as a car can get--a tubular frame chassis with no body panels, no hood, no trunk, no roof. The driver and passenger are protected in a virtual safety cell formed by the integrated front and rear rollover bars and the beautifully arching, yet functional high side rails.
Those wishing for a little more cladding, however, can opt to personalize their Atom with a myriad choice of panelling ranging from clear lexan to carbon fibre. Yet others will appreciate the aesthetically pleasing minimalism of the curved framework.
Depending on the buyer's choice of options (and they're quite extensive), prices begin at $42,500 US, average around $62,000 and can climb significantly higher with tweaking and customization.
Although possessing numerous papers proclaiming completion of a variety of track schools, I have no aspirations of succeeding Michael Schumacher.
After stepping over the high, arc of side rail and onto the flat floor pan and plopping into the snugly-bolstered seat--I'll admit to a flutter of trepidation when they handed me the tiny, suede-wrapped steering wheel.
My feet made scant contact with the drilled aluminum pedals--since the seat's adjustment was geared to drivers of loftier heights.
There's a full four-point harness that's pulled from tight... to beyond familiarity. In front of me is a reassuringly normal instrument pod, over which I can see the sloping nose cone, but just barely.
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| 2 Atoms ready to tackle the tarmac. |
Many reviews refer--erroneously--to an insect's exoskeleton when describing the visual impact of the Atom. Unlike us, Insects have no internal skeleton framework--instead relying on a hard outer shell for protection and structural rigidity. So if anything--they're more like a monocoque!
The Atom on the other hand is truly skeletal. It's about as pared down as a car can get--a tubular frame chassis with no body panels, no hood, no trunk, no roof. The driver and passenger are protected in a virtual safety cell formed by the integrated front and rear rollover bars and the beautifully arching, yet functional high side rails.
Those wishing for a little more cladding, however, can opt to personalize their Atom with a myriad choice of panelling ranging from clear lexan to carbon fibre. Yet others will appreciate the aesthetically pleasing minimalism of the curved framework.
Depending on the buyer's choice of options (and they're quite extensive), prices begin at $42,500 US, average around $62,000 and can climb significantly higher with tweaking and customization.
Although possessing numerous papers proclaiming completion of a variety of track schools, I have no aspirations of succeeding Michael Schumacher.
After stepping over the high, arc of side rail and onto the flat floor pan and plopping into the snugly-bolstered seat--I'll admit to a flutter of trepidation when they handed me the tiny, suede-wrapped steering wheel.
My feet made scant contact with the drilled aluminum pedals--since the seat's adjustment was geared to drivers of loftier heights.
There's a full four-point harness that's pulled from tight... to beyond familiarity. In front of me is a reassuringly normal instrument pod, over which I can see the sloping nose cone, but just barely.
 |
| One anxious driver awaiting his passenger. |