Ariel Atom 4R packs over 400PS and a sequential gearbox

Unveiled over the weekend at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, the Atom 4R is Ariel’s successor to the beloved 3.5R. To that end, it’s packing all the gear you’d expect of a proper track weapon. Most obviously, that includes some serious optional aero, with front and rear wings that look like refugees of F1 development. Developed using cloud-based CFD, alongside the new reprofiled intake, the new aero bits balance the car at speed. 

Yes, more than 400PS is now going to those rear wheels from the Honda-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The jump in power is thanks to that revised intake and a redesigned and reinforced cooling system, including a larger intercooler.

Overall cooling is up 55 per cent, while air intercooling area is up 75 per cent. Boost can be switched between three positions for reduced or increased power based on what you want out of the car.

Being a track-focused car, a sequential gearbox is an appropriate addition, too. The 4R gets a new six-speed from Quaife, controlled via pneumatic paddles. Suspending the 4R are new bespoke Ohlins TTX36 dampers developed especially to work with the Atom 4’s pushrod system, in combination with new aero- and weight-optimised wishbones. 

Behind the wheel, the driver also has access to a full suite of ABS, traction and launch control systems, as well as track timing with video. 

Overall performance is spectacular, with 62mph coming up in 2.7 seconds, on the way to a 100mph in 6.5 seconds and a 170mph top speed. Short of an Aston Martin Valkyrie or Praga Bohema, this is about as ‘race car’ as it gets for the road. When you have that in mind, the Atom 4R’s £64,950 entry price (not including VAT) doesn’t sound so bad.

What do you think of the Ariel Atom 4R? It sounds like an absolute riot to us…