The Atom's menu of mechanical specifications reads like a wish list, brimming with bona fide race car technology, design and construction (not the kind of pirated marketing BS that suggests 'real race car engineering' by association). The vehicle's construction features a strong and highly visible skeleton frame comprised of steel tubing-hand-welded by torch-wielding sorcerers with race car building experience. This frame provides excellent suspension performance and also a high degree of collision protection for the two occupants. True to its track-day mission, the Atom relies on an unequal length double wishbone suspension for both front the rear. Adjustable outboard rod ends and pushrod-actuated adjustable Koni coilovers allow owners to dial in the ideal circuit set-up. Other track-oriented features include a fast 1.5 turn-to-turn steering ratio, a quick-release steering wheel, cockpit-adjustable front and rear brake bias, adjustable alloy pedals, and a ram air intake system.
It also has a staggered wheel and tire set-up with lightweight Team Dynamics Pro Race 15-inch wheels up front and 17-inchers at the rear. The wheels are shod with Yokohama AVS ES100 tires on the street and with stickier Yokohama Advan A048 R-compound rubber for the track.
Clear Lexan side panels were added to help protect the driver from rain, rocks, road chips, and flying dirt. Lightweight composite bodywork and fender panels help produce race car aerodynamics at speed, while sufficiently spare to lend the vehicle its nude aggression. Kim wisely added a roll bar option from Brammo Motorsports, the Ariel Atom 2's North American manufacturer and distributor.
Custom built for far less than half the price of a Porsche 911 GT3, this Atom took around nine months to complete, and its owner manages to take it out for spin once a month or so. This seems fair, since it probably takes at least that much time for the smile to wear off whenever he gets behind the wheel.
2007 Ariel Atom 2EngineEngine Code: LSJType: 1998cc, in-line four, DOHC, aluminum block and head, supercharged and intercooled, variable intake cam phasingInternal Modifications: StockExternal Modifications: Stock Eaton M62 roots-type supercharger, air-to-liquid intercoolerEngine Management Modifications: Stock
DrivetrainLayout: Transverse rear engine, rear-wheel driveDrivetrain Modifications: Clutch and lightened flywheel, limited-slip differential
SuspensionFront: Koni coiloversRear: Koni coilovers
BrakesFront: Motul RB600 brake fluidRear: Motul RB600 brake fluid
ExternalWheels: 15x6.5 (F), 17x8.0 (R), Team Dynamics RacingPro Race 1.2Tires: 205/50/15 (F), 215/40/17 (R), Yokohama AVS ES100 (street) or Yokohama Advan A048 (track)Body: Clear Lexan side panels, fiberglass hood, twin bubble windscreen, fiberglass air intake, exposed skeleton welded chassis frame, fiberglass body and fender panels (painted yellow)Interior: Fiberglass seats, quick release steering wheel hub, roll bar, Schroth four-point harnesses
The Atom's menu of specifications reads like a wish list, brimming with bona fide race car technology, design and construction.