For many automotive enthusiasts, the Ariel Atom needs no introduction. For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, just think of it as a street-legal go-cart with the performance of a Lamborghini Aventador.

Mark Sanew of the Savagegeese YouTube channel recently logged some seat-time in the all-new Atom, first testing it out on the road and then taking to the track for some hot laps around Virginia International Raceway.

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What’s New in the Atom 4?

At first glance, the new Atom looks, well, a lot like the old Atom with its trademark exo-skeleton frame. But don’t be fooled, this is a ground-up redesign of the sports car that, according to Ariel, only has three components in common with the prior model (brake pedal, clutch pedal, and fuel-filler cap). The K20C1 2.0L inline-4 turbo powerplant lifted from the Honda Civic Type R propels the Atom from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds.

Manufacturing the Atom

Ariel Atom 4
via Ariel NA

For the first time ever, Ariel vehicles manufactured both in North America and the UK have the same specs thanks to improvements in the global supply chain. Instead of being built on an assembly line, the raw chassis is assembled by a single technician from start to finish.

Due to the unique design, the car’s race-bred components are on full display; names like Bilstein, Eibach, Tilton, AP Racing, the list goes on. Options on this model include a 3-stage variable boost controller, adjustable traction control, and track compound brake pads.

Driving Impressions

Ariel Atom 4
via Car and Driver

Although it lacks armrests, storage, heating, and air-conditioning, the new Atom has been designed with an eye toward reliable drivability. “Now that they’ve refined the driving experience, it's more comfortable on the street,” said Sanew.

Once in its natural habitat on the track, the Atom really shines. Amid the whoosh noises coming from the turbo’s blow-off value, Sanew explains: “When you start to get up to the higher speeds, you have a lot more confidence to explore the limits of what this car can do,” he said. “If you’re somebody that gets the chance to put this out on track, you’re going to appreciate just how connected everything is. As you know, the Atom is about that analog experience.”

“There’s nothing else like this in this segment at all for the price,” he said. “If you’re looking for a completely unique experience, something that is a bucket list car for most automotive people, this is it.”

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