Ariel

Honda 2.0L VTEC Turbo. Type R derived engine. 320hp standard output. 420Nm torque. 6-speed manual transmission. RWD rear-wheel drive. 3410mm length. 2565mm wheelbase. 595kg curb weight dry. Two-seat open cockpit. Tubular steel exoskeleton frame. No body panels traditional sense. Exposed mechanical components. Racing-inspired design. 0-100 km/h 2.8 seconds estimated. Superlight philosophy extreme. Track-focused performance. Road legal nonetheless. Pushrod suspension inboard. Aero screen standard. Optional windscreen available. Fly-by-wire throttle. Launch control system. Traction control available. Sequential gearbox optional. Limited production handbuilt. Somerset England manufacturing. Bespoke configuration each car. Street legal race car essentially.

Honda 2.0L i-VTEC naturally aspirated. 245hp standard. 310hp supercharged available. 220Nm torque standard. 6-speed manual transmission. RWD rear-wheel drive. 3410mm length. 2340mm wheelbase. 550kg curb weight. Two-seat configuration. Tubular exoskeleton chassis. Exposed mechanicals signature. 0-100 km/h 2.9 seconds supercharged. Exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Minimalist driving experience. Pure performance focus. Track day legend. Road legal race car. Supercharger option popular. Various power levels available. R variant track-focused. Handbuilt Somerset England.

3.0L V8 engine custom. Two Suzuki Hayabusa engines combined. 500hp output extreme. 7-speed paddle-shift sequential. RWD rear-wheel drive. 550kg curb weight only. Two-seat open configuration. 0-100 km/h 2.3 seconds claimed. Fastest accelerating production car at time. 160mph top speed limited. Extreme power-to-weight ratio. 909hp per tonne. Limited production 25 units. Special edition ultimate. Carbon fiber components. Titanium fasteners throughout. Ultimate Atom expression. Track-oriented extreme. Road legal barely. Engineering showcase vehicle. Collector car instant classic.

Honda 2.0L VTEC Turbo. 305hp output. 420Nm torque. 6-speed manual transmission. RWD rear-wheel drive. Long-travel suspension 270mm. 680kg curb weight. Two-seat configuration. Tubular exoskeleton maintained. Off-road capability serious. Desert racing inspired. Baja 1000 influence. Rally raid styling. Rugged construction throughout. All-terrain tires standard. Underbody protection comprehensive. Adjustable ride height. Road legal adventure vehicle. Dual-purpose design successful. Track and off-road capable. Somerset handbuilt quality. Weather protection improved. Optional roof available. Adventure touring possible.

Honda 2.4L i-VTEC. 235hp output. 300Nm torque. 6-speed manual transmission. RWD rear-wheel drive. 230mm suspension travel. 670kg curb weight. Two-seat off-road focused. Tubular exoskeleton Ariel signature. Rally raid inspiration. Desert racing styling. Off-road capability genuine. Long-travel suspension. All-terrain tire fitment. Underbody protection. Adventure vehicle unique. Road legal off-roader. Handbuilt Somerset England. Limited production numbers. Enthusiast market focus.

Quad electric motor setup. 1180hp combined output. 1800Nm torque instant. All-wheel drive standard. Single-speed reduction gears. 1450kg curb weight estimated. Two-seat configuration. Carbon fiber monocoque chassis. 0-100 km/h 2.4 seconds projected. 0-160 km/h 7.0 seconds. 260mph top speed targeted. Turbine range extender option. 1200bhp total system. 150 mile battery range. 750 mile extended range. Regenerative braking advanced. Torque vectoring sophisticated. Active aerodynamics. Ground effect technology. British hypercar rival. Limited production planned. Somerset engineering base. Electric performance showcase.

The high-revving Honda heart that defined the modern Ariel Atom. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four features Honda's legendary i-VTEC system with variable timing and lift on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The aluminum block uses fiber-reinforced metal cylinder liners, while the cylinder head features 16 valves with 38° included angles. The engine employs individual throttle bodies with a dual-stage intake manifold, while the valvetrain uses roller rockers and hydraulic lash adjusters. The forged steel crankshaft runs in five main bearings and is balanced for 8,600 RPM operation. With 11.5:1 compression and Honda's PGM-FI system, it produces 245 hp at 8,300 RPM and 162 lb-ft at 6,100 RPM in naturally-aspirated form. The engine's compact dimensions and lightweight construction—just 348 pounds complete—make it ideal for the Atom's minimalist philosophy. The power-to-weight ratio with this engine exceeds 520 hp per ton, delivering explosive acceleration while maintaining Honda's legendary reliability.

The forced-induction evolution that transformed the Atom into a road-going rocket. Based on the K20Z architecture, this engine features an Rotrex C38-91 centrifugal supercharger with integrated intercooler, producing 8-10 psi of boost. The supercharger drive uses a dedicated cogged belt system with automatic tensioner, while the intake system employs a large-bore aluminum charge pipe and blow-off valve. The engine management is upgraded to a Hondata K-Pro system with custom calibration for boost, while the fuel system uses 410 cc/min injectors and a 255 L/hr fuel pump. The internals remain stock Honda, testament to the K-series' robust design. With the same 11.5:1 compression but now with forced induction, it produces 310 hp at 8,600 RPM and 105 lb-ft at 6,100 RPM. The supercharger's linear boost curve perfectly complements the VTEC powerband, with boost building progressively from 2,500 RPM to redline. The complete powertrain weighs just 375 pounds, achieving a specific output of 155 hp/liter while maintaining the instant throttle response that defines the Atom experience.

The rugged boxer engine that powers Ariel's off-road warrior. This 2,457cc horizontally-opposed four-cylinder features a closed-deck aluminum block with cast iron liners and dual overhead cams. The turbocharger is a Mitsubishi TD04HL-19T with water-cooled bearing housing and internal wastegate, while the intercooler is a front-mounted air-to-air unit. The engine employs Subaru's AVCS variable valve timing on the intake camshafts, with hydraulic lash adjusters and bucket followers. The forged steel crankshaft runs in five main bearings, while the connecting rods are forged powder metal. With 8.4:1 compression and 13.5 psi of boost, it produces 250 hp at 6,000 RPM and 236 lb-ft from 2,000-5,200 RPM. The boxer configuration provides a low center of gravity ideal for off-road stability, while the turbocharger delivers massive mid-range torque perfect for dune climbing. The engine's all-wheel-drive heritage means it's built for durability, with reinforced main bearing caps and sodium-filled exhaust valves for heat dissipation.

The bespoke V8 masterpiece that created the ultimate Atom. This 2,998cc 90° V8 was developed specifically for Ariel by John Hartley, featuring a 180° flat-plane crankshaft and individual throttle bodies for each cylinder. The block is CNC-machined from aluminum billet with steel liners, while the cylinder heads use 32-valve architecture with 40° included valve angles. The valvetrain features gear-driven double overhead cams with mechanical bucket followers, allowing for 10,500 RPM operation. The fuel system uses eight 440 cc/min injectors with dual Bosch 044 fuel pumps, while the ignition is a fully sequential Motec M800 system. The rotating assembly features a nitrided steel crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and forged aluminum pistons. With 13.0:1 compression and naturally-aspirated operation, it produces 500 hp at 10,500 RPM and 105 lb-ft at 8,000 RPM. The engine weighs just 176 pounds complete, achieving an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 hp per pound—the highest of any production automobile engine at its time. The V8 screams to its 10,500 RPM redline with Formula 1-like intensity, delivering 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds.

The compact powerplant that powers Ariel's return to motorcycles. Based on Honda's CBR1000RR architecture, this 1,237cc inline-four features a twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate control. The aluminum block uses closed-deck construction with ceramic composite cylinder liners, while the cylinder head features 16 valves with 28.5° included angles. The turbo system employs a water-to-air intercooler integrated into the intake manifold, while the exhaust uses a 4-into-1 header feeding the turbocharger. The fuel system uses 240 cc/min injectors with dual-spray pattern, while the ignition is a fully digital CDI system. With 11.0:1 compression and 18 psi of boost, it produces 175 hp at 11,000 RPM and 101 lb-ft at 8,000 RPM. The engine's compact dimensions allow for optimal motorcycle packaging, while the turbocharger provides massive mid-range punch. The complete engine weighs just 154 pounds, delivering sports car performance in a motorcycle package that stays true to Ariel's lightweight philosophy.

The modern turbocharged heart of the latest Atom generation. This 1,996cc inline-four is based on the Civic Type R's K20C1 but extensively reworked for Ariel's requirements. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll Mitsubishi TD025 with ball-bearing technology and electronic wastegate, while the intercooler is a large front-mounted unit. The engine retains Honda's i-VTEC system but now operates only on the exhaust cam, optimizing turbocharger scavenging. The direct injection system operates at 200 bar pressure, while the block uses semi-closed deck construction with plasma-sprayed liners. The forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods are carried over from the Type R, while the pistons feature anodized crowns. With 9.8:1 compression and 21 psi of boost, it produces 320 hp at 6,500 RPM and 105 lb-ft from 3,000-6,500 RPM. The engine management is a Hondata-based system with custom calibration for the Atom's reduced weight and improved cooling. Weighing 365 pounds complete, it delivers explosive performance while meeting modern emissions standards—the perfect evolution of the Atom powertrain philosophy.

Ariel's vision for all-electric high performance. This system features four axial flux motors—one for each wheel—producing combined 1,180 hp and 1,330 lb-ft of torque. Each YASA P400 radial flux motor produces 295 hp and 332 lb-ft, with peak power density of 10 kW/kg. The power electronics use silicon carbide inverters with 99.3% efficiency and 40 kHz switching frequency. The battery pack is a 56 kWh unit using NMC 811 chemistry with 800V architecture and direct oil cooling of individual cells. The thermal management system can dissipate 250 kW of heat during track operation, with battery temperatures maintained within ±1.5°C of optimum. The motors feature independent torque vectoring with response times under 5 milliseconds, enabling yaw rates up to 200°/second. The regenerative braking system can recover 350 kW of power, while the charging system supports 800V DC fast charging at 300 kW. The complete powertrain weighs 595 pounds, achieving a power density of 4.2 kW/kg while maintaining Ariel's obsessive focus on minimal mass. A range-extender turbine generator option provides additional 47 hp for extended track sessions.

The simpler, more responsive naturally-aspirated version for pure off-road enjoyment. This 2,457cc boxer-four features the same basic architecture as the turbo version but without forced induction. The aluminum block uses open-deck construction with cast iron liners, while the cylinder heads feature AVCS variable valve timing on intake cams. The intake system uses a dual-stage variable-length manifold, while the exhaust features equal-length headers. With 10.5:1 compression and sequential port fuel injection, it produces 175 hp at 6,000 RPM and 174 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. While less powerful than the turbo version, this engine offers instant throttle response and linear power delivery ideal for technical off-road work. The absence of turbo lag makes it easier to modulate power on loose surfaces, while the simpler design improves reliability in harsh environments. Weighing 355 pounds complete, it provides adequate power for the Nomad's off-road mission while staying true to Ariel's philosophy of mechanical purity.

The fully developed race engine for Ariel's one-make championship. Based on the K20A2, this engine features extensive modifications for endurance racing. The cylinder heads receive full CNC porting and polishing, with larger 35mm intake and 30mm exhaust valves. The valvetrain uses upgraded springs and titanium retainers for 9,200 RPM operation, while the cams feature increased lift and duration. The intake system employs individual throttle bodies with velocity stacks, while the exhaust uses a 4-into-1 header with merged collector. The engine management is a MoTeC M130 system with individual cylinder tuning and data logging. The rotating assembly is balanced to within 0.1g, with knife-edged crankshaft and shot-peened rods. With 12.5:1 compression and race fuel, it produces 270 hp at 8,800 RPM and 105 lb-ft at 7,600 RPM. The engine must last an entire race season without rebuild, demonstrating the K-series' legendary durability even in full race trim. Weighing just 340 pounds, it delivers razor-sharp throttle response and linear power delivery perfect for close racing.

Ariel's concept for an ultra-lightweight hybrid sports car. This 1,796cc 60° V6 features an incredibly compact design with bore centers of just 86mm. The engine employs twin BorgWarner eTurbo units with integrated 12 kW electric motors, completely eliminating turbo lag. The block is CNC-machined from magnesium-aluminum composite, while the cylinder heads use titanium construction. The hybrid system uses a 80 kW motor-generator unit on the crankshaft, powered by a 0.8 kWh supercapacitor bank. The fuel system combines 300 bar direct injection with port injection, while the ignition uses laser-induced breakdown technology. The rotating assembly features a carbon fiber crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and ceramic pistons. With 11.5:1 compression and 26 psi of boost, the combustion engine produces 350 hp at 9,500 RPM, while the hybrid system adds 107 hp for total output of 457 hp. The complete powertrain weighs just 265 pounds, achieving unprecedented power density while maintaining the instant response and character that defines the Ariel driving experience. This concept represents the ultimate evolution of lightweight performance in the hybrid era.

The traditional manual gearbox that delivers pure driver engagement. This Honda-sourced 6-speed transmission features close-ratio gears with carbon synchronizers for precise shifts. The casing is aluminum with integrated cooling fins for weight reduction. The clutch is a single-plate organic design with hydraulic actuation, while the shift mechanism uses a direct cable linkage for tactile feedback. The differential is a helical limited-slip unit with 25-40% lockup. Weighing just 45kg complete, it provides the ultimate in driver control and mechanical connection, perfectly complementing the Atom's minimalist philosophy.

The racing-inspired sequential gearbox built for extreme power. This Sadev-derived transmission features straight-cut gears with dog-ring engagement for instantaneous shifts. The casing is magnesium alloy with integrated oil cooling and dry-sump lubrication. Gear changes are actuated via pneumatic paddle shifters with 50ms shift times, while the clutch uses a sintered bronze twin-plate design. The differential is a mechanical plate-type limited-slip unit with 40-80% lockup capability. Weighing 52kg, it can handle 500Nm of torque while providing race-car-like shift precision and durability under extreme conditions.

The rugged manual transmission designed for off-road durability. This Subaru-sourced 5-speed gearbox features wide-ratio gears optimized for low-speed crawling and high-speed desert running. The casing is aluminum with additional reinforcement for impact protection. The clutch is a heavy-duty single-plate design with hydraulic actuation, while the shift mechanism uses a robust rod linkage. The differential is a viscous limited-slip unit with progressive lockup characteristics. Weighing 48kg, it provides excellent torque multiplication for off-road obstacles while maintaining reliability in harsh environments.

The ultra-efficient direct drive system for Ariel's electric hypercar. This single-speed transmission features helical gears with 9.2:1 reduction ratio and 99% efficiency. The casing is carbon fiber composite with integrated cooling channels for the electric motors. The differential system uses individual reduction gears for each wheel with torque vectoring capability. Weighing just 28kg, it provides instantaneous power delivery without shift interruptions, perfectly complementing the quad motor setup's 18,000 RPM capability while maintaining Ariel's obsessive focus on weight reduction.

The advanced hybrid transmission for Ariel's future sports car. This Graziano-derived 7-speed DCT features an integrated 80kW electric motor within the bellhousing. The wet multi-plate clutches are specifically designed for lightweight applications, with electric motor torque filling during gear shifts. The casing is magnesium with dual cooling circuits. The differential is an electronic limited-slip unit with predictive torque distribution. Weighing 68kg, it provides seamless integration between combustion engine and electric power while handling 600Nm combined torque, representing the perfect balance of performance and efficiency for the hybrid era.

Established in 1999 by Simon Saunders, former chief designer at TVR, Ariel Motor Company represents the purest distillation of Colin Chapman's "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy. Operating from a modest factory in Crewkerne, Somerset, Ariel has become the spiritual successor to the Lotus Seven, taking the exoskeleton concept to its logical extreme with their signature tubular chassis design that eliminates traditional body panels entirely, celebrating exposed mechanicals as functional art. The genius lies in pairing Honda's legendary reliability with uncompromising British engineering—each car hand-built to exacting standards in limited numbers, prioritizing quality over quantity. From dominating hill climbs to becoming the weapon of choice for track day enthusiasts, Ariel has proven that the road-legal race car concept can deliver exceptional performance per pound. This cottage industry success story has earned respect throughout the automotive world, demonstrating that a small British manufacturer can achieve engineering excellence through unwavering dedication to the lightweight performance ideal.