Anyone driven an Ariel Atom?

floridaorange · 03-08-2019, 05:46 AM

I've watched most of Jay Leno's Garages and most of the Top Gears...

1 of the cars (more like go cart) that always stood out as incredibly fun was the Aerial Atom. I've never driven one but would love to track one sometime. I reckon someone here has though. So what was it like?

///M Power-Belgium · 03-08-2019, 05:56 AM

This...Is better !

Grumpy Old Man · 03-08-2019, 06:30 AM

Ever since I saw it on Top Gear I've really wanted to take one out for a spin, in fact I actually looked into trying to buy one but they weren't road legal in Canada when they first came out. I'm a bit too old now for one but would still love to have a spin in one.

floridaorange · 03-08-2019, 06:36 AM

Oh Canada — Well one day! Thanks for finding the video that's the one!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

This...Is better !

:

Steeler · 03-08-2019, 07:25 AM

Also on Jay Leno was this Ariel Atom based car

http://www.rezvanimotors.com/beast-models

http://www.thedrive.com/a-list/2109/...beast-supercar

Run Silent · 03-08-2019, 08:44 AM

I've never driven an Atom, but I have had the opportunity to drive the BAC Mono at length and that thing was insane. I was out of the country at the time when I drove it, but if it was available in the USA, I think I would have had a hard time not putting down my checkbook right there on the spot.

It was nothing short of amazing, and I imagine that the Atom is right there with it.

For reference, this is the BAC Mono:

TSM330i · 03-08-2019, 11:45 AM

I've known about the Ariel Atom prior to the Top Gear test (saw it on the cover of a European car magazine and it was love at first sight!).

I've never driven one, but sat in one at NJMP. A group of guys from NYC have a "car share" program where you sign up to drive other people's cars from the club. One of the members was driving a spec Miata on the track and told us about the Atom in the garage, so we went to see it.
The guy that showed us wasn't "allowed" to drive the Atom on the track without his comp license. It's mind blowing fast on the track (he had a ride along in it).
I have run into a few people who've raced in the Atom series and they said the rear end is VERY tail happy. Of course, the cars are super fast as well.
You can try them here:
https://atlantamotorsportspark.com/drive-ariel-atom/

floridaorange · 03-08-2019, 11:59 AM

^^^drool

jkoral · 03-08-2019, 12:19 PM

This is a pretty popular video (7M views), I just came across it the other week. It was impressive.

jkoral · 03-08-2019, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run Silent

I have had the opportunity to drive the BAC Mono... but if it was available in the USA, I think I would have had a hard time not putting down my checkbook right there on the spot.

Looks like they are in the US:
California: http://us.bac-mono.com/newsArchive.php?newsID=140
Arizona: http://us.bac-mono.com/newsArchive.php?newsID=165
New York: http://us.bac-mono.com/news.php?newsID=181

My checkbook couldn't handle it, but here is one that "fully street legal, licensed and registered in California, and smog exempt forever":
https://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/bac/mono

Unknown_Car · 03-08-2019, 12:37 PM

Seen one last year's at C&C In Minnesota, looks really good, would love to have one, the owner really likes it.

Red Bread · 03-08-2019, 12:58 PM

I've debated one a few times, but always come back to a Caterham instead.

floridaorange · 03-08-2019, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkoral

[QUOTE=jkoral;24487880]This is a pretty popular video (7M views), I just came across it the other week. It was impressive.

That's the video that reminded me of my forgotten love affair with the Atom.

xander_g · 03-08-2019, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Old Man

Ever since I saw it on Top Gear I've really wanted to take one out for a spin, in fact I actually looked into trying to buy one but they weren't road legal in Canada when they first came out. I'm a bit too old now for one but would still love to have a spin in one.

There's an orthopaedic surgeon who lives in Toronto who has an atom. He's had it for a while too. One of the local papers even wrote an article about it in their auto section. This was around 2003-2005.

Grumpy Old Man · 03-08-2019, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xander_g

There's an orthopaedic surgeon who lives in Toronto who has an atom. He's had it for a while too. One of the local papers even wrote an article about it in their auto section. This was around 2003-2005.

I know Ariel has made a lot of inroads and I know you can get one certified for the road in Canada now.....I think my very tolerant and understanding wife might be less tolerant and understanding with that little toy though.

Efthreeoh · 03-08-2019, 02:52 PM

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, look at the Ariel Nomad. The US builder is TMI Motorsports, a 3 hour drive from home.

Only if I wanted to part with $80K of retirement funds...

Grumpy Old Man · 03-08-2019, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, look at the Ariel Nomad. The US builder is TMI Motorsports, a 3 hour drive from home.

Only if I wanted to part with $80K of retirement funds...

I know, I had a Factory Five Cobra a few years ago.....what a damn ride (similar in some respects to the Atom) but I'm too old for it, and I needed Advil every time I took it out. I miss it sometimes but then I come to my senses.

Efthreeoh · 03-08-2019, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Old Man

I know, I had a Factory Five Cobra a few years ago.....what a damn ride (similar in some respects to the Atom) but I'm too old for it, and I needed Advil every time I took it out. I miss it sometimes but then I come to my senses.

In 2004, a close friend of mine built a FF5 Corbra from my sister's '87 5.0L Mustang. What a frickin beast it is. Phil has since left this Earth, I probably could buy it from his widow, but I'm afraid of the tickets I'd get...

Grumpy Old Man · 03-08-2019, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

In 2004, a close friend of mine built a FF5 Corbra from my sister's '87 5.0L Mustang. What a frickin beast it is. Phil has since left this Earth, I probably could buy it from his widow, but I'm afraid of the tickets I'd get...

The car gets tons of looks, and is a ball to drive. You don't want to sit in traffic on a hot day....shit, you just don't want to sit in traffic in the thing.

floridaorange · 03-08-2019, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, look at the Ariel Nomad. The US builder is TMI Motorsports, a 3 hour drive from home.

Only if I wanted to part with $80K of retirement funds...

Crap I looked

I was warned too... my heart is a little less full after seeing it and not acquiring it on the spot 😂

Grumpy Old Man · 03-08-2019, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, look at the Ariel Nomad. The US builder is TMI Motorsports, a 3 hour drive from home.

Only if I wanted to part with $80K of retirement funds...

Damn you!

https://www.arielna.com

1MOREMOD · 03-08-2019, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Run Silent

I've never driven an Atom, but I have had the opportunity to drive the BAC Mono at length and that thing was insane. I was out of the country at the time when I drove it, but if it was available in the USA, I think I would have had a hard time not putting down my checkbook right there on the spot.

It was nothing short of amazing, and I imagine that the Atom is right there with it.

For reference, this is the BAC Mono:

I thought BAC mono was significantly better isnt it.

03-08-2019, 05:56 AM	#2
///M Power-Belgium General 71061 Rep 26,707 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	This...Is better ! Attached Images __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023+2024 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion - BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
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03-08-2019, 06:30 AM	#3
Grumpy Old Man Lieutenant Colonel 6467 Rep 1,966 Posts Drives: Porsche 993, 2015 MB GLK Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Niagara on the Lake iTrader: (0)	Ever since I saw it on Top Gear I've really wanted to take one out for a spin, in fact I actually looked into trying to buy one but they weren't road legal in Canada when they first came out. I'm a bit too old now for one but would still love to have a spin in one.
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03-08-2019, 07:25 AM	#5
Steeler Colonel 2455 Rep 2,720 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF. E70 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	Also on Jay Leno was this Ariel Atom based car http://www.rezvanimotors.com/beast-models http://www.thedrive.com/a-list/2109/...beast-supercar __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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03-08-2019, 08:44 AM	#6
Run Silent Run Deep 15088 Rep 4,123 Posts Drives: Back and Forth To Work Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: The Mountains iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Alfa Romeo Giu ... [0.00] 2022 Ford Bronco 2d ... [0.00] 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C [8.50] 2019 BMW i8 Roadster [10.00]	I've never driven an Atom, but I have had the opportunity to drive the BAC Mono at length and that thing was insane. I was out of the country at the time when I drove it, but if it was available in the USA, I think I would have had a hard time not putting down my checkbook right there on the spot. It was nothing short of amazing, and I imagine that the Atom is right there with it. For reference, this is the BAC Mono: __________________ *Don't sweat petty things....or pet sweaty things.*
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03-08-2019, 11:45 AM	#7
TSM330i 2006 330i, TSM, Black, manual, sport 897 Rep 3,698 Posts Drives: '17 C2, GTI, Z4 3.0si Racecar Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chester Springs, PA iTrader: (2)	I've known about the Ariel Atom prior to the Top Gear test (saw it on the cover of a European car magazine and it was love at first sight!). I've never driven one, but sat in one at NJMP. A group of guys from NYC have a "car share" program where you sign up to drive other people's cars from the club. One of the members was driving a spec Miata on the track and told us about the Atom in the garage, so we went to see it. The guy that showed us wasn't "allowed" to drive the Atom on the track without his comp license. It's mind blowing fast on the track (he had a ride along in it). I have run into a few people who've raced in the Atom series and they said the rear end is VERY tail happy. Of course, the cars are super fast as well. You can try them here: https://atlantamotorsportspark.com/drive-ariel-atom/ __________________ 2017 Porsche C2 - manual of course 2015 GTI S 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe - because racecar
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03-08-2019, 12:19 PM	#9
jkoral Colonel 1134 Rep 2,053 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (7)	This is a pretty popular video (7M views), I just came across it the other week. It was impressive.
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03-08-2019, 12:37 PM	#11
Unknown_Car Major 447 Rep 1,060 Posts Drives: Few and diffrent Join Date: May 2015 Location: All over iTrader: (0)	Seen one last year's at C&C In Minnesota, looks really good, would love to have one, the owner really likes it. __________________ JB4 Tune, MHD backend flash, E85 VRSF 7" Intercooler, BMS OCC VRSF CP & TIAL 50mm BOV, BMP PI DocRace 6266 single turbo.
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03-08-2019, 12:58 PM	#12
Red Bread Major General 4458 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I've debated one a few times, but always come back to a Caterham instead.
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03-08-2019, 02:52 PM	#16
Efthreeoh General 19164 Rep 19,710 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT, look at the Ariel Nomad. The US builder is TMI Motorsports, a 3 hour drive from home. Only if I wanted to part with $80K of retirement funds...
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