Ariel Atoms & VIR

[wahoo5]

Ariel has just announced a new 500 hp V8 Atom - http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/02/first-blood-ariel-atom-500-v8/ and that they are going to do manufacturing and a driving experience at VIR - http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ariel-atom-touches-down-at-vir/. 500 hp in 1150 lbs sounds amazing.

Sure is good to have the forum back.

David

[getfast]

From what I understand, the 500hp Atom will not be built at VIR - that's a separate deal in England... the VIR facility will only feature assembly of the Atom 3, by a company called TMI AutoTech (which took over production from Brammo in Oregon.)

I have ridden in a 300hp supercharged Ecotec powered Atom at VIR and it was fast as stink.  Almost "sportbike fast" in a straight line, but much more comfortable.  We hopped out of that and into a C6 Z06, which felt slow by comparison!  I can't even imagine an Atom with 500hp - it would definitely need wider/stickier tires. 

Here are some pics of Chris Kimmelshue & Randy Pobst playing with that 300hp Atom last week at VIR:

http://www.get-fast.net/gallery/td308vir/index4.html

Wish I could afford one,

Jon