- Ariel introduced the new Atom 4RR to celebrate the model’s 25th anniversary.
- The even more track-focused version of the Atom 4R will be limited to 25 units.
- A tuned Honda engine produces 525 hp, making it the most powerful Atom ever.
A lightweight, minimalist approach to speed has long been Ariel’s signature, and the company is marking 25 years of the Atom with a special edition built purely for the track. The new Ariel Atom 4RR is the most powerful version yet, aimed squarely at dedicated circuit drivers. Just 25 units will be produced.
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Rather than reinventing the formula, Ariel has evolved the 4R that debuted in 2023. The 4RR carries over its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from the Honda Civic Type R, now tuned to deliver an impressive 525 hp (392 kW / 532 PS) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque on the dyno. That makes it more powerful than the limited-run Atom V8 from 2010.
More Firepower Under the Skin
Ariel says the 125 hp (93 kW / 127 PS) gain over the 4R comes from a mix of internal upgrades, new components, and refined oil and fuel systems. Full technical specs are expected later this year. For now, consider that the 4R already sprints from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.7 seconds. It’s reasonable to expect that the 4RR will dip into hypercar territory when it comes to straight-line performance.
Visually, the Atom 4RR inherits the wild aero package of the 4R with a new livery, adding yellow graphics. The front and rear wings, in combination with the cooling intakes make it look like an F1 car. Despite its motorsport looks, the 4RR is still street-legal. There’s no word yet on whether the chassis has been modified to handle the extra power, though it would make sense given the significant
The Evolution of the Atom
The original Atom was introduced in 2000 as a lightweight sports car with a tubular space frame chassis and a Rover engine producing 120 hp. The Atom 2 followed in 2003 with a more powerful Honda Civic Type R engine generating up to 275 hp in supercharged form.
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The Atom 3 came along in 2007 with a new chassis design, revised suspension, and further engine improvements delivering up to 300 hp. In 2010, the limited-run Atom V8 took things further with a 500 hp engine and aggressive aero, produced in a batch of just 25 cars.
The current Atom 4 was introduced in 2018, bringing another complete redesign compared to its predecessor. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged Honda engine generating 320 hp. It also makes use of a stiffer chassis and a more aggressive suspension setup. In 2023, Ariel launched the Atom 4R with 400 hp, which has now given way to the Atom 4RR with 525 hp.
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