jsausley
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2010
- Messages
- 1,222
- Location
- Burlington, NC, United States
- Car(s)
- '16 Audi S5, '14 CC R-Line, '12 Ariel Atom 3
It's been a while but I finally picked up the new toy today from TMI Autotech at VIR in Alton, VA. This car was the original Ariel Atom 3 prototype, the first Atom 3 produced by TMI Autotech here in the United States and also the only Atom 3 that is powered by the Honda K20Z3, the engine from the previous Ariel Atom 2. The differences between the K20 and the K24 are numerous, but despite the K24's higher peak power and lower end torque, the K20 is much preferred by Honda enthusiasts for its more balanced powerband, higher rev limit and more aggressive VTEC profile. (I'm no Honda expert, but this is what I've learned in researching and purchasing this car.)
I am fortunate enough to live only an hour from Virginia International Raceway, which is where TMI Autotech is located. I have been looking at these Atoms for quite some time after spending a day at VIR for the Atom Driving Experience last year, so when the deal to buy this special prototype car came up, I couldn't say no. This car ended up costing about 20% less than a brand new Ariel Atom 3 with a K24 engine because it was the first Atom 3 produced and, technically, "an older" car. However, even after my test drive, the car still only has 51 miles on it. Yes, it's about a year old, but it's a brand new car as it was kept at TMI for publicity reasons and was never sold or tracked (apart from its test drive after construction). Furthermore, because it has the engine from an Atom 2 it is technically unique and 1 of 1 in the United States.
I will continue to update this thread with more details about the Atom as I become more familiar with it. It includes the full street kit, including lights, turn signals, a windshield wiper and full windscreen. I had TMI install the additional front and rear carbon fiber wings as optional extras because the added appearance really changes the look of the car. Additionally, I'm fully aware of how twitchy these cars can be at high speeds, so the added downforce is a huge bonus. It is equipped with the big brake package and Yokohama AD08 street tires. The Bilstein adjustable shocks are different from the SRA-spec race cars that I drove at the Atom Driving Experience, and are tuned for a softer, street-performance type ride rather than hard and unforgiving like the race version. This also helps the car respond more casually to inputs, and therefore safer on the street, while still retaining quite a bit of the Atom's aggressive driving feel.
One thing that I will definitely be looking to add in the future, after registering the car here in North Carolina (this may take a few weeks, even a month, due to the DMV and such) are the side panels. After driving the car in the cold air today, I can definitely see the benefit in reducing amount of wind that barrages the driver and passenger. Additionally, it would be nice not to get pelted by rocks while turning. :lol:
Without further ado, here she is:
- - - Updated - - -
At TMI, ready to be brought home:
And the pudding:
I am fortunate enough to live only an hour from Virginia International Raceway, which is where TMI Autotech is located. I have been looking at these Atoms for quite some time after spending a day at VIR for the Atom Driving Experience last year, so when the deal to buy this special prototype car came up, I couldn't say no. This car ended up costing about 20% less than a brand new Ariel Atom 3 with a K24 engine because it was the first Atom 3 produced and, technically, "an older" car. However, even after my test drive, the car still only has 51 miles on it. Yes, it's about a year old, but it's a brand new car as it was kept at TMI for publicity reasons and was never sold or tracked (apart from its test drive after construction). Furthermore, because it has the engine from an Atom 2 it is technically unique and 1 of 1 in the United States.
I will continue to update this thread with more details about the Atom as I become more familiar with it. It includes the full street kit, including lights, turn signals, a windshield wiper and full windscreen. I had TMI install the additional front and rear carbon fiber wings as optional extras because the added appearance really changes the look of the car. Additionally, I'm fully aware of how twitchy these cars can be at high speeds, so the added downforce is a huge bonus. It is equipped with the big brake package and Yokohama AD08 street tires. The Bilstein adjustable shocks are different from the SRA-spec race cars that I drove at the Atom Driving Experience, and are tuned for a softer, street-performance type ride rather than hard and unforgiving like the race version. This also helps the car respond more casually to inputs, and therefore safer on the street, while still retaining quite a bit of the Atom's aggressive driving feel.
One thing that I will definitely be looking to add in the future, after registering the car here in North Carolina (this may take a few weeks, even a month, due to the DMV and such) are the side panels. After driving the car in the cold air today, I can definitely see the benefit in reducing amount of wind that barrages the driver and passenger. Additionally, it would be nice not to get pelted by rocks while turning. :lol:
Without further ado, here she is:
- - - Updated - - -
At TMI, ready to be brought home:
And the pudding:
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