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 Atom 4
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| Ariel Atom 4 |
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<< Prev Page 3 of 3  The Atom 4 features an all-new look and while recognisably an Atom, every panel on the car is new. One of the fundamental design principles on Atom 4 was aerodynamic improvement, control of airflow and overall balance of the car. Working in partnership with TotalSim, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) experts in Brackley, and in keeping with the original Ariel 'Form Follows Function' philosophy, major aerodynamic improvements have been made in every area of the car. Drag has been reduced, downforce increased and mass flow rate to radiator, intercooler and air intakes greatly increased. A shift in aero-balance has been achieved to give neutral handling and more precise control at the limit.Immediately noticeable is the disappearance of the familiar central Atom roll hoop, now enclosed under the air intake bodywork, which itself has been reduced in size. This has greatly improved air passing over the rear bodywork and controls air speed going through the ram-air system. Similarly, the new nose cone has smaller openings and internal ducting to reduce drag and decelerate air speed, maximising efficiency through the front mounted radiator. The intercooler mounted behind the tub, in a low pressure area, keeps the unit close to the engine and is also supplied with air from under the car, optimising cooling efficiency. The trademark Atom 'aero screen' has been further refined and now reaches all the way across the car, reducing 'helmet lift' for the occupants, directing air to the engine intake and, with just this aero fence, generating 100 Newtons of downforce. The mudguards on all four wheels also feature an aero device to give downforce directly to tyres negating any lift from mudguards. Ralph Tayler-Webb, Chief Designer at Ariel said: "The aerodynamics on the Atom 4 have been an epic journey with literally hundreds, if not thousands, of iterations backwards and forwards between us and TotalSim. Keeping the Atom true to its roots but making such big strides with the aero has been a long haul, but it has paid off. Atom 4 is a highly-sophisticated design that has improved the performance in many different ways and on a number of levels." Bodywork will be available in full carbon for many of the body parts, reinforcing the 'Less = More' Ariel philosophy of performance through lightweight. All exterior lighting has been revised with LED indicators, stop/tail/fog and reverse lights, daytime running lamps and high performance halogen headlights to conform to EUSSTA regulations. Ambient light sensors allow auto light functionality. Additional storage space has been included under the removable front body cover, extending the cubby box, together with access to the new hydraulic system. Individually adjustable single seats replace the twin seat unit of previous Atoms and a comprehensive study into ergonomics has subtly repositioned pedals, steering wheel and instruments. Already a comfortable space for most drivers, an additional 50mm of cabin length and 20mm width has been added to accommodate the very widest range of users. The new switch cluster, again designed to EUSSTA standards, features all controls within finger reach of the 310mm suede steering wheel including lighting, indicators, adjustable traction and launch controls. The central instruments, with full colour TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) screen made for the Atom 4 by AIM, can be scrolled through multiple menus for road, track or set up use. The instruments also have gear position and shift lights as standard plus provision for real time race track data-logging. Using the AIM PDM (Power Distribution Management) system, communicating directly with the ECU via CAN (Controller Area Network), the vehicle wiring harness and fuse box have been simplified and therefore light-weighted. Atom 4 is the fastest standard Atom produced so far. With the dramatic increase in torque, as well as 320bhp as standard, both standing start and in gear acceleration times are the fastest yet for a standard Atom: 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, 0-100mph in 6.8 seconds retain the Atom's giant killing performance. Atom 4 will be priced at £39,975 including VAT in the UK (£33,312.50 ex VAT). Said Tom Siebert: "We want to keep the Atom as an affordable but ultimate performance car. The cost of the Atom 4 compares with a supercharged Atom 3.5, but it has more power and a higher specification as standard. Over the 18 years that we have been making the Atom it has proved itself with extraordinarily low running costs and phenomenal reliability, even when used hard on track. "This coupled with truly remarkable residuals makes the Atom not only cost effective to own but almost depreciation free. But our main aim for our customers is our company motto - SERIOUS FUN. There isn't enough of that in motoring any more, so we're determined to keep it. If that's what you want, Atom 4 will deliver." << Prev Page 3 of 3 |
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