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 Atom 4
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| Ariel Atom 4 |
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<< Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >>  The basis of Atom 4 is an all-new tubular chassis, designed in-house by the Ariel engineering and design team, with much learning coming from the Titanium Chassis R&D project of 2014. Featuring larger diameter main and diagonal tubes than previous Atoms, as well as many detailed additions, each tube within the chassis has been analysed and optimised to give a light but extraordinarily strong structure. The torsional stiffness has been increased by 15% compared to the previous generation Atom 3.5.The combination of sophisticated CAD (Computer Aided Design) and FEA (Finite Element Analysis) design work resulting in a hand-made, bronze welded structure reflects Ariel's approach to design and manufacture, combining new technology with exceptional craftsmanship. Said Tom Ward, Ariel's Chief Engineer: "Redesigning an icon can be quite intimidating and doing this with increasingly strict legislation plus Type Approval in mind is a big task for a small company like ours. Our growing design and engineering team forms 25% of the Ariel workforce so we are committed to making Ariel absolute leaders in their field." The chassis gives more interior space and legroom than previously and has been designed and proven to well exceed the demands of a full frontal 50kph barrier impact, seat belt and rear impact test. Forming a driver/passenger safety cell the Atom chassis offers the highest degree of protection in its class. Chassis are treated to a three-stage finishing process of phosphating, powder coating to colour choice and powder coating lacquer. At the heart of the Atom 4 is the new Honda Type R K20C 2.0L 4 cylinder direct injection, turbocharged engine. Building on the 15-year relationship with Honda UK with Honda power in Atom 2, Atom 3 and Ariel Ace motorcycles, Ariel has signed a new agreement for engine supply with Honda. Said Simon Saunders: "The Honda agreement is critical for us and our customers. The Type R engines have proven themselves in Atoms over the years with dependable power and absolutely faultless reliability, even under race conditions, so there really is no better engine for the Atom." The 1996cc direct injection turbocharged engine, producing 320bhp as standard in the Atom - 10bhp more than the previous supercharged Atom - gives the Atom 4 more power than any previous standard model. An astonishing 420Nm of torque is a massive 75% increase over a standard Atom 3.5 and a 35% increase over a supercharged Atom 3.5. Mapped by Ariel using an MBE ECU (Electronic Control Unit) developed specifically for the car will allow the Atom 4 to meet Euro Vl emissions standards, a critical factor of the EUSSTA testing. Optional Launch and Traction Control is a new feature built in to the electronics of Atom 4, derived from the Atom V8. Atom 4 also features the ability to adjust and optimise turbo boost levels for different road and track conditions. An all-new exhaust system, again designed to meet EUSSTA standards as well as race track noise levels, features a ceramic honeycomb, high palladium/rhodium content catalytic converter, 3"/75mm diameter stainless system into a twin outlet, 8.4"/215mm stainless silencer. A high flow single outlet system is an option as is a de-cat system for use on the track. A larger capacity fuel tank sits on the left-hand side of the car, improving range on road and on track, giving a road range of some 300 miles. Retaining the inboard, pushrod operated damper system the Atom 4 features all new suspension geometry. Based on 18 years of continual development from Ariel and design input from suspension guru Richard Hurdwell, the new geometry includes revised inboard and outboard points plus anti-squat and anti-dive to reduce unnecessary body roll and weight transfer, keeping as much tyre contact as possible at all times. All new Bilstein dampers sit inboard operated by pushrods via new geometry bellcranks, with an optional semi-active Ohlins package under development for production. Revised steering rack and geometry give the new Atom accessibility for all types of drivers under all driving conditions, with the option of a quick rack for track-focussed cars. "It's important that the Atom not only handles superbly but has ultimate driveability," said Sam Evans, engineer in charge of Atom suspension development. "On Atom 4 we have gone to enormous lengths to ensure the car is as easy to drive on the road as it is fast on a race track." An improved turning circle has also been achieved with the new suspension and steering rack geometry to aid town driving and parking. Moving up in size the Atom 4 sits on 7Jx16" front wheels and 9Jx17" rear wheels. Multi-spoke alloy wheels are standard fitment but, in a first for Ariel, the Atom 4 has the option of full carbon wheels. These represent a weight saving of nearly 50% over an alloy wheel and a total reduction of over 16 kilos. The wheels, made to Ariel specification by BST in Johannesburg (who also make the carbon wheels for the Ariel Ace), significantly reduce unsprung weight together with new aluminium uprights, which alone give a 50% weight saving over the previous car. Tyres are 195/50R16 front and 255/40ZR17 rear. In a new exclusive partnership with Avon Tyres the Atom will be fitted with high performance Avon ZZR tyres. With recent changes in tyre law and noise it is important that the highest performing tyres are available to the Atom. The combination of new suspension and larger section Avon tyres contribute to the Atom 4 having more mechanical grip than any previous Atom. Not only is straight line performance improved for the Atom 4 but cornering speed moves to another level also. The all-new standard braking system increases in size, due to the higher power of Atom 4, with 278mm vented discs and cast two-piston caliper on the front with 253mm discs on the rear and integrated hand brake caliper. An optional upgrade is to a full AP Racing configuration of 290mm vented discs front and rear with alloy 4 piston calipers. A variety of brake pads are available dependent on the use of the car. An all-aluminium pedal box with brake, clutch and throttle pedal is supplemented by the optional cockpit adjustable brake bias. Goodridge stainless hose for both brake and clutch hydraulic systems is standard fitment. << Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >> |
| Article | Image gallery (17) | Specifications |
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