Behind my head is a Formula One-style air intake. At my back--a 2.0-litre, supercharged GM Ecotec four, which blatts raucously when the toggle switch is flicked and the start button pushed. My tester is capable of 245 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque (there are also 205- and 300-hp versions) . With its incredibly low power-to-weight ratio (the Atom weighs a mere 635 kg, or 1,400 lbs) it accelerates like a skud missile. A short, centre-mounted shifter is hooked up to a snappy, five-speed transmission.
Nothing, not the image of Jeremy Clarkson's altered state or the media hype--prepares you for the sheer physical assault on the senses. The exposure to the elements, the force of the wind against your chest, lifting your helmet and threatening to pull your head off with it, the stinging of pebbles hitting any exposed skin--everything is enormously amplified.
Alien sound effects issue from various parts of the vehicle--high-pitched screeching of rubber against curbing, chirping and scrubbing in the tight turns, the eerie wail of the wind tearing across the slippery surface of the steel tubing, or ripping through the suspension components with enraged chirping--a demonic version of whale song. The closest comparison I can make to the Atom experience, is driving a four-stroke racing kart.
It corners so flat and the responses are so immediate--it's like there's a direct channel from your thought processes to the car's reactions. There's no guessing whether you've hit the apex or not--since you can watch the tires through the open latticework. Inputs must be smooth since it reacts immediately to jerky steering or a jabbing brake pedal. Forget the princess and the pea--like tracing paper laid over the track, the level of driver feedback is unparallelled.
The seat's lack of closer adjustment however, played a strong part in my lack of confidence at downshifting properly in the turns, and I never felt properly connected with clutch and braking.
The suspension, double unequal-length wishbones and inboard, pushrod-operated dampers, are fully-adjustable, allowing the Atom to be set up for either street or track use. Although the vehicle is sold as "off-road use" only--there are packages available to make it street legal. Rumours of Atom sightings in the West Toronto area were substantiated when the owners of the only road-licensed Atom in Canada dropped in to join our "Atom Experience."
As much as the Atom was an absolute blast to drive, I couldn't help think that a three-hour trip on the 401, complete with mid-morning showers and strong wind--would quickly lose its allure.
Those wishing to have their own "Ariel Atom Experience" can visit their website at www.arielatomexperience.com for more information.
Unparalleled driving experience
Track Day Prowess comparable to a million-dollar Ferrari Enzo
No cupholders or trunk space
Dangerously Addictive
photo:Lesley Wimbush
 |
| The Ariel Atom could be described as a 4-stroke go-kart. |
Nothing, not the image of Jeremy Clarkson's altered state or the media hype--prepares you for the sheer physical assault on the senses. The exposure to the elements, the force of the wind against your chest, lifting your helmet and threatening to pull your head off with it, the stinging of pebbles hitting any exposed skin--everything is enormously amplified.
Alien sound effects issue from various parts of the vehicle--high-pitched screeching of rubber against curbing, chirping and scrubbing in the tight turns, the eerie wail of the wind tearing across the slippery surface of the steel tubing, or ripping through the suspension components with enraged chirping--a demonic version of whale song. The closest comparison I can make to the Atom experience, is driving a four-stroke racing kart.
It corners so flat and the responses are so immediate--it's like there's a direct channel from your thought processes to the car's reactions. There's no guessing whether you've hit the apex or not--since you can watch the tires through the open latticework. Inputs must be smooth since it reacts immediately to jerky steering or a jabbing brake pedal. Forget the princess and the pea--like tracing paper laid over the track, the level of driver feedback is unparallelled.
The seat's lack of closer adjustment however, played a strong part in my lack of confidence at downshifting properly in the turns, and I never felt properly connected with clutch and braking.
The suspension, double unequal-length wishbones and inboard, pushrod-operated dampers, are fully-adjustable, allowing the Atom to be set up for either street or track use. Although the vehicle is sold as "off-road use" only--there are packages available to make it street legal. Rumours of Atom sightings in the West Toronto area were substantiated when the owners of the only road-licensed Atom in Canada dropped in to join our "Atom Experience."
As much as the Atom was an absolute blast to drive, I couldn't help think that a three-hour trip on the 401, complete with mid-morning showers and strong wind--would quickly lose its allure.
Those wishing to have their own "Ariel Atom Experience" can visit their website at www.arielatomexperience.com for more information.
 |
Unparalleled driving experience
Track Day Prowess comparable to a million-dollar Ferrari Enzo
 |
No cupholders or trunk space
 |
Dangerously Addictive
photo:Lesley Wimbush
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