Ariel Atom

                                         Ariel Atom

If there's something that Tom Cruise and the Ariel Atom can teach you, its that you really shouldn't judge a person by their diminutive stance. They hold their own, even triumph over, the hunks of their respective worlds. The Ariel Atom can easily smoke cars like Ferrari 458 Italia and even theLamborghini Aventador around corners with evident ease. It's not about size, dude, its about you-see-me-now-you-don't. 

The Ariel Atom is a road legal high performance sports car made by the Ariel Motor Company based in Crewkerne, Somerset, England and under licence in North America by TMI Autotech, Inc. at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

There have been four Ariel Atom incarnations to date: Ariel Atom, Ariel Atom 2, Ariel Atom 3 and Ariel Atom 500 V8. The current models are the Ariel Atom 3, and the limited production Ariel Atom 500 V8 with a 500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) V8 made from two Suzuki Hayabusa engines.

The Ariel Atom is unusual in that it is exoskeletal — the chassis is prominently visible from the outside — and therefore lacks a roof, windows and other features normally found on road cars although a small windscreen is available as an optional extra. The chassis design leads to a relatively high drag coefficient of 0.40 in comparison to more aerodynamic road cars.

Design origins

The Atom began as a student project by Coventry University transport design student, Nik Smart. Known then as the LSC (Lightweight Sports Car), it was developed at the university in 1996 with input and funding from various automotive industry members, including British Steel and TWR. Ariel Motor Company boss Simon Saunders was a senior lecturer whose responsibility for the project was primarily as financial manager and design critic for Smart, whom he described as "The best all-round design student I've ever seen." The car was first shown publicly at the British International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham in October 1996.

Specifications

• 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 2.8 seconds (manufacturer's claim)
• Top speed: 155 mph, 250 km/h
• Power: 245 bhp (183 kW; 248 PS) @ 8,200 rpm (300 bhp supercharged)
• Torque: 210 N·m (150 ft·lbf) @ 6,100 rpm
• Weight: 612 kg (1350 lb)
• Transmission: Honda six-speed with reverse or General Motors six speed with reverse
• Engine: 2.0 L Honda K20A1, four-cylinder, i-VTEC, 2.0 L supercharged, General Motors 2.2 L supercharged, 2.4 L Ecotec four-cylinder, 3.0 L 500-bhp Ariel V8
• Manufacturer: Ariel Motor Company Ltd
• Length: 3,410 mm (134 in)
• Width: 1,798 mm (70.8 in) / 1,828 mm (72.0 in) with 225 Tyres
• Height: 1,195 mm (47.0 in)
• Track: 1,600 mm (63 in) front and rear
• Wheelbase: 2,345 mm (92.3 in)
• Designer: Nik Smart

Suspension

Front spring, helper coil spring (in red), and shock

The Atom suspension setup was tuned by the engineers at Lotus. Edmunds "Inside Line" noted that "anyone who has driven a selection of Lotus-tuned cars, such as the Elise, the Aston Martin Vanquish and the Opel Speedster, will notice a common feel or signature, and it's replicated in the Atom."

The Atom’s suspension is derived from single seat racing cars and is fully adjustable, requiring only a spanner. Both front and rear double unequal length wishbones and inboard, pushrod-operated dampers contribute to the Atom’s dynamic racecar-like handling. Adjustable suspension rod ends feature inboard rubber/metal bushings to promote a more comfortable road-going ride. The front and rear Bilstein dampers are also adjustable. Stacked helper coil springs and main coil springs produce a low spring rate for minor deflections and a higher rate for large ones.

Acceleration

In 2005 Track and Race Car magazine published the results of a comprehensive test of a range of cars, from the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Ford GT, BMW M5 to the Caterham CSR 260. The Supercharged Ariel Atom 1 won the 0–100–0 mph (0–161–0 km/h) test by a clear margin at 10.88 seconds, ahead of the Caterham CSR 260 (11.41) and the Ford GT in 4th (13.17).

The following year, the Atom won Autocar's 0–100 mph challenge as the new Ariel Atom 2 300 bhp supercharged edition achieved a time of 6.86 seconds, and then stopped from 100 in 3.8 seconds. At the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the Atom broke the indoor speed record. The high gloss floor that the cars ran on was only 220 m (720 ft) long, with an open door at the end of the hall. The driver of the Atom launched in fourth gear and still had wheelspin until the car reached 70 mph (110 km/h) and started to get traction. The Atom was beaten only by a Class 9 Autograss car powered by a 2.0l Lexus/Toyota touring car engine which set the official indoor speed record, beating the previous record held by a Toyota F1 car driven by Top Gear's driver The Stig.

The Sunday Times measured the time taken for the Atom to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) at 2.89 seconds, making it the world's third fastest accelerating production car then available after the $1.3 million, 1,001 PS (987 bhp) Bugatti Veyron at 2.46 seconds, and the Ultima GTR at 2.6 seconds; the review was in 2005.

United States licensing

Brammo Motorsports of Ashland, Oregon signed a deal with Ariel Ltd to manufacture the Atom in the US starting in late 2005. In the US the Atom 2 was available with the supercharged GM Family II Ecotec engine, which was introduced in 2004 on the Saturn ION Red Line and is also used in the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. A limited run of approximately 10 US built Atom 2 cars, manufactured in 2006-2007, were powered by imported Honda K20As. Brammo Motorsports ceased production of the Atom in 2008 to focus on the manufacture of an electric motorcycle.

In January 2008, it was officially announced that licensed manufacturing of the Ariel Atom for the US market would be undertaken by TMI AutoTech Inc at a purpose-built facility at Virginia International Raceway. TMI started production by building Honda-powered Atom 3 cars. TMI AutoTech Inc is also associated with Trak Motorsports Inc, the company that operates the Ariel Atom Experience trackdays in Canada and North America.

Ariel Atom 500

Ariel announced in February 2008 its latest Atom variant, the Ariel Atom 500. It features a 500 horsepower 3.0 litre John Hartley designed V8 engine, carbon fibre body panels and aerofoils, chromoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon four-piston brake calipers, and Dymag magnesium wheels. The engine weighs 90 kg (198 lb) and is coupled to a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox to cope with the increased power over the Honda unit. During the development process the RS performance engine was replaced by a unit prepared by Hartley Enterprises giving the final production version of the 550 kg (1,213 lb) car 900 bhp/tonne.

Ariel claims this variant will accelerate from 0-60 mph in "less than 2.3 seconds".

On 23 January 2011, the Atom 500 set the lap record around the Top Gear test track, with a time of 1:15.1, making it the fastest road-legal car to go around the track - a record that stood for just over two years, until the Pagani Huayra completed a lap in 1:13.8 on 27 January 2013.

Wrightspeed X1

The Ariel Atom was unofficially used by Wrightspeed as the base of a one-off prototype called the Wrightspeed X1, which is a proof of concept of the company's all-electric powertrain.

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McLaren P1

                                        McLaren P1

 The McLaren P1 is an upcoming hybrid supercar by English automotive manufacturer McLaren Automotive. The concept car debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show., and is considered to be the long-awaited McLaren F1 successor, utilizing hybrid power and Formula 1 technology. The P1's styling is influenced by the McLaren MP4-12C but with added body panels to make the car look aggressive. It will not have the same three seat layout as its predecessor, the McLaren F1. The design of the headlights is also reminiscent of the McLaren logo.

It will have to compete with the Ferrari LaFerrari, the Porsche 918 and the Lamborghini Veneno while wooing the hearts of millionaires. 

As with the McLaren F1 road car of 1992, the McLaren P1 is a rear-wheel drive, mid-engine design that uses a carbon fibre monocoque and roof structure safety cage concept called MonoCage, which is a development of the MonoCell used in the current MP4-12C and MP4-12C Spider upgrade that came out in early 2012.

The P1 features a heavily revised version of the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine used in the MP4-12C, tuned to 727 bhp. The engine is combined with a highly effective KERS electric motor that produces 176 bhp. The hybrid powertrain is connected to a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission, and will give a total power output of 916PS (903 bhp) at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm (664 lb ft). The powertrain can run using either the petrol V8 by itself or with the electric motor. Theelectric motor can be used to power the car on its own, with a range up to 20 km (12 miles) at an average speed of 30 mph. Power for the electric motor is stored in a high density battery pack located behind the cabin. The battery can be charged by the engine or through plug in-equipment, and can fully charge in two hours. The P1 comes with two Formula 1 derived features: The Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) will give an instant boost in horsepower to the petrol engine via the electric motor. The car also comes with a Drag Reduction System (DRS), which operates the car's rear wing. Both of these features are operated by two buttons on the steering wheel. It is capable of 239 mph, but is electronically limited to 217 mph. Despite this, the P1 will go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h under 7 seconds, and 0 to 300 km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds, making it 5 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1. It does this with its set of Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires and can brake quickly with specially developed carbon-ceramic brakes from Akebono. 

McLaren revealed the last details of the production models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The P1 will be strictly limited to 375 units to maintain exclusivity. Each model starts at £866,000, or over €1,100,000.

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Porche 918

                                       Porche 918

The Carrera GT was a great car. Wonder what might have been the expectations from its replacement! But Porsche, from the looks of things, might have hit the bull's eye with their latest hypercar- the 918. It looks fabulous and is the first plug-in hybrid car from Porsche. It is immediately recognizable as a Porsche, courtesy the front end which showcases Porsche's 911 heritage.

Highlights:
-4.9 litre V8 gasoline engine producing 580 horsepower, supplemented by 2 electric motors delivering an additional 218 horsepower.
-Only 3L/100km fuel economy claimed.
-Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque chassis.
-1,490 kilograms (3,300 lb).
-0-62mph dash in less than 2.9 seconds.
-Top speed over 210 mph(330 km/h).

When it will be released, it will see competition from hyper cars such as the McLaren P1, the LaFerrari and the Lamborghini Veneno. 

The Porsche 918 Spyder is a mid-engined sports car designed by Porsche and first shown as a concept at the 80th edition of the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. The Spyder is powered by a 4.6 litre V8 engine, developing 580 horsepower (430 kW), with two electric motors delivering an additional 218 horsepower (163 kW). It is the first plug-in hybrid car from Porsche. Porsche later announced a limited production of the vehicle.

At NAIAS 2011, Porsche unveiled the RSR racing variant of the 918, which combines hybrid technology first used in the 997 GT3 R Hybrid, with styling from the 918 Spyder.

Spyder

The 918 Spyder is a mid-engined two seater sports car, designed by Michael Mauer, that is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine (580 hp/430 kW) which is a development of the engine used in the RS Spyder Le Mans Prototype racing car. This is supplemented by two electric motors delivering an additional 280 horsepower (210 kW). The transmission is a 7-speed gearbox coupled to Porsche's own (PDK) double clutch system delivering power to the rear axle. Two electric motors drive the front wheels directly through a fixed ratio while a third electric motor is connected to the transmission and gives additional power to the rear wheels. This gives the 918 Spyder a 0–100 km/h time in just under 2.9 seconds, which is faster than Nissan's GT-R and Lamborghini's mighty Aventador, and a top speed of over 330 kilometres per hour (210 mph). The energy storage system is a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. In addition to the plug-in recharge the batteries can also be charged by regenerative braking and by excess output from the engine when the car is coasting. CO₂ emissions are 70 g/km and fuel consumption is 3 L/100 km (94 imperial mpg/78 us mpg). The 918 Spyder offers 4 different running modes: E-Drive allows the car to run under battery power alone, using the rear electric motor only, giving a range of 20 miles (32 km). Three hybrid modes (Hybrid, Sport and Race) use both the engine and electric motors to provide the desired levelsof economy and performance. In Race mode a push-to-pass button is available to deliver additional electrical power.

The chassis is a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque. Magnesium and aluminium are extensively used in the construction of the car which helps keep the 918 Spyder's weight down to 1,490 kilograms (3,300 lb).

On July 28, 2010, after 2000 declarations of interest, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave the green light for series development of the Porsche 918 Spyder. The 918 will be produced in a limited series. It will be developed in Weissach and assembled in Zuffenhausen.

RSR

At the 2011 Auto show in Detroit, Porsche unveiled the RSR racing variant of the 918 Spyder. Instead of using plug-in hybrid technology, power for the two electric motors is provided by a flywheel accumulator KERS system that sits beside the driver in the passenger compartment. The V8 is a further development of the direct injection engine from the RS Spyder race car developing 563 horsepower (420 kW). The electric motors on the two front wheels each provide an additional 102 horsepower (76 kW), giving a peak power output of 767 horsepower (572 kW). The six speed gearbox is a development of the unit from the RS Spyder.

Video games appearances

The Porsche 918 Spyder in Need for Speed: Most Wanted(2012)

The 918 Spyder is subject to numerous video games appearances, most notably in several games of the third generations of Need for Speed series. It was originally featured in the game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit as a drivable vehicle. Unlike the other Porsche cars featured in the game, it is not available in a police livery. It was later featured in Shift 2: Unleashed, Need for Speed: Most Wanted(2012) and Need for Speed: The Run (The Run only featured the RSR variant).

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Ferrari LaFerrari

                                   Ferrari LaFerrari

The Enzo's a legend. It's price keeps escalating every year, and after every other Enzo crash. Such is its exclusivity. It has design inputs by the then fastes-man-behind-the-wheel Micheal Schumacher. 

Now imagine the pressure at Ferrari's design house when the men in suits from up there told them they had to build a replacement for that masterpiece. But the Italian, being Italians, and Ferrari being Ferrari, made sure that replacement becomes an instant legend. 

And this is it- the LaFerrari ("La, what?" cried the attendees of the Geneva auto show that it was showcased at). But after you get over the name, there's a lot of feasting for your eyes to do, and lot of curiosity that has to be fulfilled about its specs. 

It comes from a long line of Ferrari hypercars, which includes the Ferrari F40, the Ferrari F50 and theFerrari F60 or Enzo. It will lock horns with the Porsche 918, the McLaren P1 and the Lamborghini Veneno. 

Firstly, its a hybrid. But before you start shouting whats a Prius doing with a Ferrari badge, you'd be better off knowing that the scintillating V12 is still the main power source, those electric motors only there to provide more power and shut the mouths of all those Corporate Averarge Fuel EconomyNorms' agents.

The car's beauty grows on you. Once your brain comes to terms with those cuts and arcs; its all a piece of exotica with wheels at each corner. The headlamps and certain other elemenst take inspiration from the Ferrari 458 Italia, the F12 Berlinetta and the FF. 

LaFerrari (also known as the F70, and by its project name, F150) is a limited edition hybrid sports car built by Ferrari. The car and its name were officially unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show. It is based on findings from testing of the Ferrari FXX and on research being conducted by the Millechili Project at the University of Modena. Association with the Millechili Project led to speculation during development that the car would weigh under 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).

The LaFerrari is the first mild hybrid from Ferrari, providing the highest horsepower of any Ferrari whilst decreasing fuel consumption by 40 percent. The LaFerrari's V12 will have a 6.3 litre capacity with 789 hp, supplemented by a 163 hp KERS unit, which will provide short bursts of extra power. Unlike conventional hybrid vehicles, the KERS system adds extra power to the combustionengine's output level, with an impact similar to that of a turbo charger.

Ferrari states that the car has a top speed exceeding 350 kilometres per hour (220 mph), and that it is capable of reaching 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in under three seconds. The LaFerrari achieves a speed of 300 kilometres per hour (190 mph) in under 15 seconds. The car is equipped with carbon ceramic Brembo discs on the front (398mm) and rear (380mm), with the tires measuring265/30 R 19 and 345/30 R 20 respectively.Ferrari claims CO₂ emissions  of 330g/km. Only 499 units will be built.

The LaFerrari is the first completely in-house designed Ferrari, not receiving any input from Pininfarina. This decision brings to an end the collaboration between Ferrari and Pininfarina which began in 1951. However, Ferrari has stated that two new models designed jointly with Pininfarina are yet to be unveiled and that there are no plans to end business relations with 

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Lamborghini Veneno

                                Lamborghini Veneno

                                   

 What do you do if you are Fellipo Perini, the director at Lamborghini, and McLaren, Porsche and, most importantly, Ferrari are about to launch their screaming hypercars that are bound to steal the show at Geneva? Well, you order your design board to design and build 3, just 3, totally mental cars based on the already stupendous Aventador. And then name it the Veneno, after the bull of the same name who holds the rare distinction of having killed the torero who challenged it. Also, Veneno means 'venom' in Spanish and Portuguese. The tuned Aventador engine produces 750 PS of power.Oh, and you also price it at 3.12 million euros. 

will be more than thrice of those from the stables of other manufacturers, it will still be compared with the La

Though only three specimens will be made and its cost Ferrari, the Porsche 918 and the McLaren P1.

The Lamborghini Veneno is a limited production sports car, first exhibited during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It is a show piece based on the Lamborghini Aventador and was built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary. The prototype, Car Zero, is finished in grey and includes an Italian flag vinyl on both sides of the car. The engine is a development of the Aventador's 6.5 L V12 and produces 750 PS (550 kW; 740 bhp).

Only three production cars will be produced. There will be a green, white, and red one, each representing a colour of the Italian flag. Car Zero, which was the vehicle on display, will be retained by the factory for the museum. The three production cars will cost €3.12 million each, and all three have been sold. Two are destined for the USA.

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