If you thought the new FK8 Civic Type R with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was a match made in heaven, imagine having the same powerplant in a car that weighs as much as a Perodua Kancil.
Insane right? British car maker Ariel however, thrives on it. Their newest Atom 4 (costing approx. RM212k) is now home to the 310 hp engine from the fastest front-wheel drive sportscar around the Nurburgring.
With a new exhaust system and 75% increase in power over the previous Atom, the statistics are just impossible “to brain”. 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds (similar with the GT2 RS), 0 to 160 km/h in 6.8 seconds and top speed if you dare try, is marked at 260 km/h.
Power goes to the rear wheels of the 600 kg Atom 4 through a 6-speed gearbox with limited-slip differential. The powertrain rests on an all-new chassis that has achieved a 15% increase in stiffness.
Bilstein monotube dampers with Eibach dual rate springs and adjustable pushrod suspension are standard with twin pot caliper brakes at the front and rear.
Each car will be built by one technician and per order basis for each individual customer. The fourth-generation Atom is completely new with Ariel claiming that only three parts were carried over from the previous Atom.
“The Atom 4 is the biggest change to the car since we originally released it in 1999. It’s an all-new car with only the clutch, brake pedals and the fuel cap carried over from the previous Atom”, said Director of Ariel, Simon Saunders.
