Want to go fast?

Here is a new toy for us go fast guys. It should walk all over the Ultima. Joe

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/profile.htm

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Chris Duncan]

Have you seen the Topgear video?

awesome

VID LINK

 

[Pete McCluskey.]

Sensational!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I want one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Joseph/ Kalun thanks for the post.

 

[Ron Earp]

This thing has been around for five years - Malcolm and I visited their factory at the end of 2002 and took a spin, fantastic construction and yes, even with the Rover motors back then they were mighty fast!!!!! I think we posted some info on them here back in the day. They are very pricey now with the strong pound though.

 

[Hershal Byrd]

Yes,
The Atom is really a neat little pocket rocket. Kinda like a four wheel motorcyle. I would have one in a minute if I could see the value for the cost. To me it is way over priced. Seem like the less you put on it and the lighter it gets the more it costs. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
There are many companies here in the USA that sell the Lotus 7 copies like the Low Cost 7. You get a complete chassis for $2500. I think sometimes when a company makes a product and it really looks cool then they tack on a bunch more. I can build a completed Factory Five Cobra for less than the cost of an Atom. It looks to me like you could build an Atom in three days. No body to paint or attach.
I'm sure a good Atom salesman can shoot me down in a minute but that's how I see it.

Hersh /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Ron Earp]

Hershal,

You are correct. The Atom is really simple to put together - I remember the factory owner told Malcolm and I 50 hours tops and it would be ready. And it was very believable. VERY high quality frame and suspension components, top drawer stuff for sure with nice Stack electrics/dash.

They are just too expensive for what is there. I think if you do the conversion now to pounds the Atom will cost about $35k. To me though it was an awesome car and would be a great street ride and the ultimate track day toy.

There is a forum for Atoms on Pistonheads and it is a fairly active place. Very few in the US, last time I checked there was one Atom in Washington State, although that was about a year ago. The new ones with Honda motors are the ticket, we saw a supercharged VTEC one under construction in the shop!!!!

 

[Lukas Matzinger]

Ron,

Have you checked into prices lately? From what I see on the PH forum prices have gone up A LOT with the introduction of the Atom 2.

The basic 220 models are about $45k now and the higher spec 300s go for $65k with options.... You do get the Honda K20a engine for that, though!

I simply love the concept and hope that somebody would come up with a kit that offers similar performance for a more reasonable price. While the chassis and parts are very nice, they dont include anything overly fancy (basic coilovers, wheels, brakes etc in stock form.)

What they do have going for them for sure is low maintenance and upkeep costs. Due to the light weight consumables like tires, rotors, pads etc hold up much longer.

 

[Ron Earp]

Actually, now I hadn't, that is steep!!! I was told he'll sell you one without the engine package though and the price is less, but still, they are high. It would be really interesting if someone would create a similar car and do it here in the US. Seems like so many of the cool first concept cars I enjoy always start out over in England, innovative chaps!

 

[Lukas Matzinger]

Talking about innovative chaps, in the US, I am sure most of you know about the Dp1 www.dpcars.net ? This is not quite the same since it is bike powered, and only has one seat, but it should be a blast similar or even more so than the Atom!