Ariel Atom test-drive anyone?

**Rainbow Wizard** · 9th October 2005, 23:48

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk
http://www.openwheelers.co.nz/ for track options

ok, OK this "bike" is a car but it's a motorcyclist's car!
Here's a msg hot off the press:

Originally Posted by Rainbow Wizard

I have been offered the opportunity to run a 'Track Day' at Taupo for those interested in driving an Ariel Atom.
Some of you will have seen these cars on 'Top Gear' and a few of you will have driven one with me in Tauranga last weekend. I can assure you they are a sensational performance experience.

It is an astonishing car. 'Feral' is the best word to describe it. Vicious, untamed and unsophisticated.
It outperforms anything else on the road and can keep pace accelerating with big superbikes ...
0 - 100kph in 2.9 seconds or, if you prefer ... 0 - 160 - 0 in 10.8 sec.
The good thing about a track day - no cops !

The Australasian Importer will provide a couple of cars and a race savy chap will be on hand to undertake some instruction if required - as well as to make sure no-one gets out onto the road and is never seen again.

Normally they charge $249 per person to cover expenses including car transportation, track hire, etc but if we have enough people they can do it for less.

The tentative day booked is Tuesday 1st November.

If you are interested please send me back a message. If you have a friend who may wish to join us please send the message on.

And no, I'm not actually quoting myself; I'm actually almost accurately quoting the man who sent me the msg in the first place.

Feel free to post here or PM me if you're really serious (ie got either $250 or 90 grand roaming free!)

**SlowHand** · 10th October 2005, 00:00

How long is a session? And is it you break it you pay for it? (im guessing it is, but the price is pretty dam high, esp if its only a coupla laps or something)

**gamgee** · 10th October 2005, 08:15

ohhhhhh i'd say two laps in that car would be worth $250 did you see the top gear segment on it, bloody fun looking car!

**SimJen** · 10th October 2005, 09:03

Yep wicked cars, Andrew Mackie (importer) kindly let me take one for a spin. Very fast and uncompromised unlike every other car........almost makes you want to give up bikes......nah.

**JohnBoy** · 10th October 2005, 11:52

saw one last night out the back of palmy... looked like they were enjoying the tyre wash and rain!!

hehe

**Rainbow Wizard** · 10th October 2005, 12:52

Originally Posted by Albin

How long is a session? And is it you break it you pay for it? (im guessing it is, but the price is pretty dam high, esp if its only a coupla laps or something)

My contact says "Previous track days in Australia I attended result in 20 or so laps."
Man, at 450kg these things "stop on a dime" and they don't fall over. Furthermore, mechanical failure underwriting would have to be covered by the distributor. AND, because they're a two seater I suspect Mr Man might be your passenger - nothing like a supervisor to keep you on the twisty & narrow.
Cheers