How to turn a standard Ariel Atom into a bewinged Atom 4R

The fourth generation Ariel Atom arrived back in 2018. It was the biggest, most radical change the Atom had undergone in its near-25 year history. Not just a move to turbocharging, but a car made bigger, longer and wider with completely redesigned geometry. Famously the only things carried over from the 3 were the steering wheel, pedal box and fuel cap. And now there’s a 4R. You can read what it’s like here, but if you just want to know what’s been done, read on.

Ignore me driving and grinning, that’s not relevant. Instead I want to draw your attention to that big box on the outside. There’s another one the other side and they’re key to the 4R, because they’re the reason it has 25 per cent more power. The turbocharged Honda Civic Type R engine previously delivered 320bhp, now it’s up to 400bhp – and with no changes to the internals at all. This one houses a larger air-to-air intercooler for the turbo, increasing the surface area by 75 per cent and allowing greater boost pressure, while the one on the other side contains a radiator to increase engine cooling by 55 per cent.

You don’t have to run with 400bhp all the time. Ignore the bright green start button and look instead at the yellow knob. That’s your turbo boost selector. You get to choose from three positions. You’ll get used to the acceleration in position 1. I promise you’ll never get used to the viciousness of 3.

Here are the pedals. They’re lovely to use, but on this car you don’t need the clutch pedal very much, because instead of the manual gearbox fitted as standard to the 4R (and regular 4), this car uses a Quaife six speed sequential. You need the clutch to get going, but from that point on you are free to left foot brake and just pull paddles.

The thing with the Atom is that whatever model you choose, it’s a starting point. And because this is Ariel’s demo car, they’ve thrown the works at it. The standard 4R doesn’t get a carbon nose panel or wheel covers.

Nor does it get these stunning carbon wheels – or the AP Racing carbon brakes that nestle behind them. Together those two items save 26kg – all of it from the unsprung weight.

Which allows this 4R to hammer over kerbs without getting deflected or otherwise unsettled. However, that’s not the only component that has a part to play in this behaviour.

Say hello to a set of Ohlins four-way adjustable dampers. They make sure this 4R rides with absolute control and yet surprising suppleness. However, they are an option. As standard the 4R comes with a set of Bilstein two-way adjustable dampers.

The wing. Kinda hard to ignore it. It comes in combo with the wing at the front and together they deliver 110kg of downforce at 70mph. However, once again it’s not standard on the 4R. But you’re gonna want it.

A standard Atom 4R costs from £77,940, but all told this particular car weighs in at £140,000. Which is a lot of money to pay for getting a draught up your trouser leg.

But putting all that to one side, the 4R delivers one of the most vivid, intoxicating driving experiences around. And you can read all about that here…