Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom 3 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and can hit 100 mph in under 7 seconds. With these numbers you would have thought that aiming higher was a moot point. But the folks at Ariel Motor Company decided to run a special project for extreme performance, partnering with RS Developments back in 2007. And so the Ariel Atom 500 V8 was born. The car uses the same signature exposed-chassis-exoskeleton sans roof and windows but throws in a monster power plant.

Ariel decided to use the Russell Savory 2.4-liter V8 engine with 500 bhp at a whopping 10,000 rpm featuring alloy construction and a dry sump. The engine comes  supercharged outside the US and naturally aspirated domestically. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 6 speed sequential Sadev gearbox with flatshift capability and paddle controls. A manual overide along with launch and traction control will be offered. Other notable features inlcude Dymag magnesium wheels, Alcon 4 pot caliper brakes, chromemoly aerofoil wishbones and carbon fiber weaved into the rear wing, underbody tray and wheel arches.

Looking like a cross-between a go-cart on steroids and a modified Formula1 racer, the Ariel Atom will deliver thrilling and nauseating performance. With 0 to 60 in under 3 seconds, you can be sure that beer runs to the 7eleven in back can be completed most expeditously. There is even a passenger seat to put your libations... Or your mother-in-law if you never want to see her again.

At 10,000rpm the Atom's supercharged engine provides over 500HP in a car that weighs around 1100 pounds. These two numbers give it one of the highest power to weight ratio of any production vehicle ever made.

Source: Ariel Adam