Meet the Ariel Atom 3S, the Roided-Up Brother of the Atom 3

2015 Ariel Atom 3S (Credit: © Ariel)

The Ariel Atom doesn’t quite get the credit it deserves here in the U.S., as it is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy supercar-like performance in a tiny package. Sure, there is the absolutely insane 500-horsepowermodel, but the core of the Ariel lineup is its small-displacement, low curb-weight Atom 3 track monster. With a 230-horsepower, 2.4-liter, Honda-sourced engine, the base Ariel Atom 3 can hit 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and tackles twist like it’s on rails.

So, how can the Ariel Atom 3 become an even better track car, without adding a massive V-8 engine? Strap a turbocharger on the i-VTEC engine, of course. That’s exactly what Ariel did and now it’s here to introduce the new Ariel Atom 3S, the 365-horsepower and 310-pound-feet sibling of the base Atom 3.

But Ariel and TMI AutoTech went beyond just adding in a turbocharger and intercoolers on each side of the car to keep the pressurized air cool. On top of the turbo system, the Atom 3S also receives a adjustable traction control system that allows the drive to tweak the traction control system based on the conditions, a set of four-piston calipers with two-piece floating rotors, an LCD cockpit display and a full-glass windshield.

Buyers have a pair of transmission options with the Atom 3S. The base transmission is a close-ratio, six-speed manual, while the optional unit is a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox with steering column-mounted shifter paddles.

The Atom 3S can sprint to 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and clears the quarter mile in about 10.7 seconds, making this tiny open-top track car a supercar killer.

The ordering books for the 3S are now open, and the model retails for $89,750, a $25,250 bump over the base Atom 3.