FIRST DRIVE: Ariel Atom 4R – 400bhp, MIND-BENDING Performance | Top Gear

Oct 12 2023

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This is the new Atom 4R and you’re right, it features wings and carbon. And the small matter of a 25 per cent power boost, which, yes, can deliver a particularly gusty haymaker. As standard it hits 60mph in under 2.7 seconds, 100mph in less than 6.5s and should go on to a 170mph max. Rapid enough. It costs £77,940, a substantial hike over the regular car which starts at – well, it doesn’t matter particularly, because Ariel’s waiting list is so long that the cars don’t lose any money. But it’s best to think of this one as a 4R+. It’s had everything thrown at it, from carbon wheels and brakes (saving 26kg), plus carbon panels and wings, to Ohlins exotic four-way adjustable dampers and a Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox with pneumatic activation. So, this one costs about £140,000 as tested. Overall? It’s a bonkers loon of a device that never takes itself too seriously. It just wants to have fun, as Top gear Magazine’s Ollie Marriage finds out when he gets behind the wheel. WATCH MORE TOP GEAR: