The Ariel Atom 3 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and can hit 100 mph in under 7 seconds. With these numbers you would have thought that aiming higher was a moot point. But the folks at Ariel Motor Company decided to run a special project for extreme performance, partnering with RS Developments back in 2007. And so the Ariel Atom 500 V8 was born. The car uses the same signature exposed-chassis-exoskeleton sans roof and windows but throws in a monster power plant.

Ariel decided to use the Russell Savory 2.4-liter V8 engine with 500 bhp at a whopping 10,000 rpm featuring alloy construction and a dry sump. The engine comes supercharged outside the US and naturally aspirated domestically. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 6 speed sequential Sadev gearbox with flatshift capability and paddle controls. A manual overide along with launch and traction control will be offered. Other notable features inlcude Dymag magnesium wheels, Alcon 4 pot caliper brakes, chromemoly aerofoil wishbones and carbon fiber weaved into the rear wing, underbody tray and wheel arches.

What began as an experiment has resulted in an actual production vehicle with a limited run. A few lucky individuals will have an opportunity to own the 1,102 pound roadster with the highest power to weight ratio of any production car. No pricing information has been released to date on the Ariel Atom 500 V8. The car is now licensed and built in the US by TMI AutoTech in Virginia and estimates put the price tag in the six figures.

Source: Ariel Atom