New 4RR will have an outrageous power-to-weight ratio
In a world where too many new cars try to be all things to all people, Ariel Motor Company and its lightweight, hopelessly impractical yet hyper-focused Atom sports car is a refreshing change. Conceived for no other reason than the unadulterated joy of driving, the Atom has found many fans over the last quarter of a century. Now, to celebrate 25 years of the Atom, the UK-based manufacturer has revealed the Atom 4RR. This ultimate edition is the most powerful Atom ever and is sure to turn every track day into a heart-pounding, sweaty-palmed experience.
Even More Power Than Atom V8
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The 4RR uses a special version of Honda’s 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC four-cylinder engine found in the Civic Type R. In this form, it delivers a raucous 525 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Improved oil and fuel systems, along with an array of internal alterations, have resulted in these extreme outputs. To put 525 horsepower into perspective, that’s 2 hp more than the BMW M4 Competition xDrive, and the Bimmer has an extra liter of capacity and two more cylinders.
Built on the platform of the 4R, the 4RR will still adhere to the brand’s lightweight philosophy. Further technical specifications, such as the 4RR’s weight, will only be announced later in the year. However, we do know that the 4R weighs around 1,250 pounds, and there’s no reason to assume the 4RR will be significantly heavier. For some perspective, that’s roughly half the weight of a Mazda MX-5 Miata with the automatic transmission.
A picture released of the new 4R shows off a cool yellow and black color scheme, along with the open cockpit, open wheels, and exposed suspension components we’re used to seeing from the Atom. The front splitter looks straight off an F1 car, and there’s also a tall rear wing to help with aerodynamics.
4RR Builds On Impressive Atom Lineage
Ariel Atom 1
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The original Atom and its legendary tubular space frame chassis arrived in 2000. It used a Rover engine that made just 120 hp, a long way off the new 4RR’s 525 horses. But the car’s incredibly lithe body didn’t require much power at all.
Between 2003 and 2007, the Atom 2 used Honda power for the first time, with a supercharged version eventually producing 275 hp – and a distinctive whine. For 2007, the Atom 3 got a completely new chassis, body, and suspension, while its Honda engine made 300 hp in supercharged form. It was here that the limited Atom V8 arrived, too; it revved to 10,000 rpm and made 500 hp.
Between 2012 and 2018, the Atom 3.5 received a new engine from the Type R, and the suspension was overhauled once more. The 3.5R made 367 hp and used a sequential gearbox.
Ariel Atom 4
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This set the scene for 2018’s Atom 4. Still around now, every aspect of it was redesigned besides the pedals, steering wheel, and fuel filler cap. This model also received the latest Type R engine, and in so doing, became the first turbocharged Atom. Switchable ABS, traction, and launch control were added, but all driver aids could be disabled.
In 2023, the Atom 4R raised the bar once more, this time with a 400-hp version of the Honda engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 600 hp per tonne.
The 4RR makes one wonder how much power the little track monster can handle, but we’re sure Atom isn’t done with the Ariel yet.
