I've now got spousal approval to do the Ariel Atom Experience. linky -> here Thats right, I'll get to do a Jeremy Clarkson (vid here) from Top Gear impression @ VIR. I've got to get off work still, so here's hoping!! :sx:
Check the linky! I'm not buying one yet, just doing an Ariel track day. It's $500 for 1/2 day, $1500 for a whole day. Anyone want to drive with me to Virginia?
you know that doing this will permanently change the way you think about your Suby.... Now it'll be slow (once again) and handle like crap. But I'd damn sure go have fun!!
I think they are cool but really overrated, there was one at the Grassroots Ultimate Track Car Challenge and it placed mid pack. I would have expected it to atleast beat an evo but guess not.
What kind of engine did it have in it? The ones overseas get some nice Honda powerplants, but I believe the ones that made it here get various ecotec engines.
Hey Doug, can you say anything more about the GRM event? I would expect a tuned EVO/STi/brighton to have slightly less power/weight, but for the Ariel to really come out ahead with cornering. Was the track wet? BTW, do these stats seem right? 300hp and 1400 lbs = 4.6 lbs/hp 500hp and 2700 lbs = 5.4 lbs/hp
ohh and I believe thats 300 crank hp, which would give it a 4.6lb/hp rating. If you took the crank hp of my car which should be around 680bhp and the race weight of 2600lbs it gives me a 3.8lb/hp rating. Plus I got awd...
It may be... but I still think that is one of the worst names for a "performance" motor ever. And it can never beat VTEC! lol.
"Holy thread revival batman! He must have driven the Atom!" Yes, I have driven the Atom now. When my back recovers from 14+ hours driving to VA and back + the track day I'll post reviews and pics.
urr, I still have all my shit in the car but the camera's usb cable is at home. You'll have to wait til tonight. A few quick blurbs... - A Ferrari rally was held that morning at the track. Imagine 40+ Ferrari's old and new from *all* over the US running for time around the track. I wish I'd had a camcorder! The F50 was especially awesome. - I was driving the 245hp model Atom which felt a little slower than my car in a straight line. - The south track really highlighted the Ariel's tail happiness. I only spun once. I did get several nice drifts going though. I'm sure most everyone would have been all over the place with the 300hp model. - No power steering isn't a problem in a 1600lb car. - Making the Ariel's brakes mushy for 'novices' sucked. They went to far and were worse than my car's stock brakes. - Fucking hell. A professional racer drove me around and it was insane. I have much to learn for RWD cars on road coarses.
The k20 is better. I wanted to go to VIR and the wifey was all set....too much crap in the way tho. Maybe next time. Oh and the "300hp" ecotec doesn't output that much. There's a big thread about it on the Atom forums.... http://forum.atomclub.com/index.php/topic,5081.0.html
no way man, have you seen top gears review? its definately better then a exige cause you can see and feel everything
I have both seen the topgear review and the car in someone's garage in person, maybe i need to get a test drive next time