This is a ground effect Ariel Atom

This odd but quite excellent-looking Atom is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Ariel, aerodynamics specialists TotalSim and Delta Motorsport. AERO-P is its name – an acronym for Aerodynamic Efficiency Requirements & Optimization Project (catchy) – and its aim is thus: to minimise aerodynamic drag, ergo reducing CO2 emissions and improving stability. 

A nod to the Chaparall 2J and Brabham BT46B, the Atom has a big skirt around the bottom of the tub, from which air is sucked by a couple of high-speed fans – here powered by their own battery pack. This creates a vacuum underneath the car, effectively sucking it down onto the road. Ariel says the speed with which the system can be activated means it can be turned on and off on-demand. So, you can have super high downforce for cornering, braking and accelerating, then switch off on the straights to save energy.

“When the system is turned on the car visibly squats on the ground so you can see it working,” says Simon Saunders, Ariel’s Director. “We’re already making about three times the downforce as aerofoils, but this really is just the first step and a very early stage in what is a large and complex project to bring to a production reality”.

The benefit of this whole system is that you don’t need massive spoilers, which generate downforce at high speeds – and more of it the faster you go – but create drag, which reduces top speed and increases fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. You don’t really need a spoiler for ordinary road driving anyway, so all its doing there is mucking up your airflow and costing you money and time spent at the pumps. 

We’ll take three, thanks.