Ariel Atom spins off its most powerful version yet

UK-based niche automaker Ariel is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Atom sports car with a hardcore special edition named the 4RR. It wears a Formula-inspired body kit, has flagship specs on paper and promises to be the fastest Atom ever created, although the tests have yet to start.

Only 25 units will be made, and all prices are still pending. The 4RR is closely based on the Atom 4R unveiled two years ago (see video). It uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the Honda Civic Type R, but benefits from a roughly 125-horsepower boost. The resulting output amounts to 525 PS (518 hp / 386 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque.

Preliminary data suggests that the sports car will have a curb weight under 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds). That’s an impressive power-to-weight ratio. While the standard Atom 4R is already a capable sprinter, zapping from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.7 seconds, the 4RR is speculated to be around 0.2s faster.

All detailed specifications should become public in late 2025. Ariel says it will only make new cars to order, which is to say, there will be no premade stock. And while that body kit reminds us of Formula 1 racers, the 4RR surprisingly remains street-legal in Great Britain.