{"id":246,"date":"2024-04-17T11:00:38","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T11:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/?p=246"},"modified":"2024-04-25T10:05:24","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T10:05:24","slug":"winter-what-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/2024\/04\/17\/winter-what-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter? What winter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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First drives<\/h2>\n

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THE WORLD\u2019S BEST WRITERS IN THE NEW CARS THAT MATTER<\/p>\n

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The
300-mile
test<\/h2>\n

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New car meets real world<\/p>\n

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Ariel Atom 4R<\/p>\n

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Winter! What winter?<\/h1>\n

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Normal logic does not apply where Ariel is concerned. With the 4R, doubly so<\/span><\/p>\n

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Words<\/b><\/span> James Dennison
<\/span>Photography<\/b><\/span> Olgun Kordal<\/span><\/p>\n

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T<\/span>here\u2019s no outside temperature read-out on the Ariel\u2019s solitary display, but I don\u2019t need a thermometer to confirm what my body is screaming at me \u2013 that the biting December cold is no stranger to this beautiful yet frigid corner of South Wales. Rather, they\u2019re on first name terms and I\u2019ve just crashed their little get-together in the most inappropriate car possible.<\/p>\n

Why? Honestly, I\u2019m asking myself the same thing at this point. It was my idea \u2013 I think \u2013 or at least CAR<\/i> editor Ben Miller made me believe as much, but the original discussion went a bit like this. Anyone can drive Ariel\u2019s latest hardcore Atom 4R on a sun-kissed circuit in the middle of summer and declare it the bee\u2019s knees, but what happens when you split the Atom from its comfort zone? It\u2019s legal for the road (or it will be once we glue the front number plate back on), but is it simply too much for the road?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start by looking at the basics. The Atom 4R is a hardcore version of the Atom 4. That\u2019s a car few would consider to be soft, yet this is Ariel we\u2019re talking about \u2013 the same company that once put a 500bhp V8 in a car that weighed less than 600kg, so normal logic does not apply. The leap from 4 to 4R isn\u2019t quite that extreme, but there\u2019s definitely some form of insanity coursing through the 4R\u2019s exposed exoskeleton.<\/p>\n

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Left: No filter between the driver and the drive<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cutting through the half-light of the early-morning traffic in the old mining town of Abercynon, the Atom 4R stands out like an Indycar at an Armstrong Siddeley convention. A low-slung tub festooned with wings and pods aplenty, it looks for all the world like ChatGPT has been asked to create a road-legal cruise missile with two seats and indicators. Not for a moment would I call it pretty, but boy does it have presence.<\/p>\n

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And power. The Ariel-tuned 2.0-litre i-VTEC Honda Civic Type R engine\u2019s outputs increase from 320bhp and 310lb ft of torque to 400bhp and 369lb ft. In a car weighing 700kg, that means a power-to-weight ratio of 571bhp per tonne \u2013 better than a Ferrari 296 GTB. Ariel has managed to extract this additional performance thanks to new intake geometry and a redesigned cooling system that features an additional radiator in the left pod. Meanwhile, the pod on the right gets a larger intercooler that increases the car\u2019s intercooling area by 75 per cent.<\/p>\n

Three different engine-map settings allow the driver to select just how much they want their stomach churned, while a new (optional) six-speed sequential gearbox from Quaife can bang through full-throttle upchanges and rattle back through five downshifts in less than a second. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 2.7 seconds while 0-100mph occurs in 6.5sec.<\/p>\n

Not that every 4R will do that. Each car is built to order by one of Ariel\u2019s highly skilled engineers and many of the goodies are extra. For example, this car\u2019s sequential \u2019box (a six-speed manual is standard), four-way \u00d6hlins dampers plus the carbon brakes and wheels and wings are optional. Therefore, rather than the \u00a377,940 starting price, you\u2019re looking at around \u00a3140k as tested\u2026<\/p>\n

Heading north on the A470, it\u2019s initially difficult to see why the price comes in at almost four times as much as a base Atom 4 and it\u2019s even harder to comprehend how a bona-fide Porsche RS model could come in cheaper. And yet it does \u2013 we know this because we\u2019ve brought one along, a 718 Spyder RS, to keep some perspective on the Atom.<\/p>\n

A last hurrah for the mid-mounted internal-combustion engine from Stuttgart, it\u2019s one of the finest sports cars of the 21st century and the only droptop RS model in Porsche\u2019s range. Like the Ariel, it\u2019s unlikely to be a car you\u2019d use every day and its lightweight fabric roof means it\u2019s far better suited to warmer climes. Not for a second would we claim it to be as hardcore, but that\u2019s the point. Does it deliver enough of the thrills, with far less of the drawbacks, for its \u00a3123k starting price?<\/p>\n

To find out, we\u2019re initially heading north into the Brecon Beacons before looping back down into the Afan forest and its twisting, undulating asphalt. It\u2019s a route I\u2019ve done before and know exactly what to expect, yet the Welsh weather is proving even more troublesome than usual. As we drive past Aberfan on our right, a Dickensian fog surrounds us like an army of inquisitive ghosts and we lower the pace of our two-car convoy.<\/p>\n

The Porsche\u2019s carbon bonnet, wheelarch vents (first seen on the 991 GT3 RS) and centre-lock wheels look the part, yet next to the Atom 4R it\u2019s being roundly ignored. My helmet-clad head tilted slightly forward in the Ariel to deflect the wind, I see the blur of a Honda motorbike in my dinky side mirror, its L-plate-adorned silvery form quickly drawing level and the rider peering across at this strange interloper on his Monday-morning commute. I\u2019m terrified he\u2019s going to try to do a wheelie and end up in my lap, but mercifully an enthusiastic thumbs-up suffices and he speeds off on his way.<\/p>\n

I draw energy from the idea that he can\u2019t be any colder than me in my old ski jacket and waterproof trousers, yet I\u2019m probably more comfortable. The Atom 4 and 4R are more usable than those that came before it, and while I do covet thy neighbour in the Porsche and its lovely heater, the Ariel is reasonably straightforward to drive.<\/p>\n

Engine map 1 delivers oceans of torque combined with steering that\u2019s unassisted and not over-sensitive. As for the gearbox, I\u2019m having to use the clutch for upchanges and downchanges below 50mph, yet it\u2019s not too heavy or difficult. Even the Yokohama A052 tyres are behaving themselves despite the cold conditions. And besides \u2013 I know things aren\u2019t entirely rosy in the Porsche.<\/p>\n

Should the inevitable happen and the rain start to fall, I\u2019m pre-prepped in the Atom 4R and can carry on going, yet the Porsche will need to stop and have the manual folding roof put in place to avoid soaking the old-school but still nicely appointed cabin. This is a task that takes some practice.<\/p>\n

For now, however, the rain is holding off and the A4059 beckons. It\u2019s a fast, challenging road that lies in the shadow of Pen y Fan, yet today the snow-sprinkled peak of the highest mountain in South Wales is hiding behind a seemingly never-ending greyness that hangs over the verdant land and adds a density to the cold, clean air.<\/p>\n

Down at road level, however, the sight lines allow us to open up the 4R and 718 Spyder RS. With the road still wet from last night\u2019s rainfall, I take the lead in the Ariel, free from the spray of the Porsche\u2019s fat Cup 2 tyres clawing for purchase on the near-perfect tarmac. Ariel engine dial flicked to 2, the noise is incredible but almost comedic in its delivery. From the surge of intake sound to the chuff of wastegate and the sneeze of a rhinoceros, the noise is punctuated by its unpredictability. So much so that it initially alters my driving style as I consciously provoke the throttle pedal in order to elicit another tune from the orchestra of the unusual.<\/p>\n

About 20 metres behind me, the Porsche has its own symphony in motion. And whereas the same wide-eyed grin follows its siren song, the similarities in sound, tone and delivery are nil. A 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six extracted from the 911 GT3 and manhandled into the far smaller 718 chassis, it sits in the mix like a flaming, vodka-soaked cherry atop a perfectly balanced Black Forest gateau.<\/p>\n

The Boxster chassis is a peach, but the 493bhp engine (slightly less power here than in the rear-engined 911 GT3, as the exhaust follows a more convoluted path) is the star of the show. For sheer shock-and-awe pace, the Ariel beats it all ends up, yet in every other respect \u2013 responses, linearity and sound \u2013 the Porsche\u2019s flat-six reigns supreme. Quite how Porsche can ever try to replicate this experience with an EV is an intriguing question, yet one that will no doubt be answered soon.<\/p>\n

We point the cars south and leave the invisible mountains in the Ariel\u2019s dinky side mirrors, now caked in the salt and slime of the well-worn tarmac beneath us. Like desperate lizards, we hunt down a shaft of sunlight on the horizon, flying past the Penderyn Distillery (home to some fine Welsh whisky) and caves of Ogof Fawr before making a brief detour for fuel south of Treorchy.<\/p>\n

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Pick up: 0 miles<\/span><\/h2>\n

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9am and my prayers for a December heatwave have been roundly ignored; it\u2019s 3\u00baC and wetter than an otter\u2019s pocket. Bah humbug.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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Spirits lifted instantly. The 4R is far easier to drive than any Atom that has come before it. Light clutch, easy controls and ABS. It\u2019s the little things\u2026 <\/span><\/p>\n

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19<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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I hear the 718 Spyder RS before I see it. It’s not really any louder heard from the outside than a 718 Spyder, yet it’s still a memorable, haunting sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

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41<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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4R has more attachments than regular Atom, but every single element is there for a reason, usually related to aero (and certainly not comfort).<\/span><\/p>\n

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68<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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I pluck up the courage to take the 4R out of engine mode 1. Feels like the rocketship has gained overboost. Ludicrous levels of shove.<\/span><\/p>\n

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90<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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My turn in the Porsche. I adore the old-school cabin complete with a proper gearlever, analogue dials and physical buttons. Best bit? The heater.<\/span><\/p>\n

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111<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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A brief diversion to the Shell service station in Tonypandy. We opt to cheer ourselves up not keeping track of the fuel economy figures\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

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144<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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That feeling when you\u2019ve painstakingly gone through the strapping-in process, only to realise you\u2019ve left your gloves in the Porsche? That.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0009.jpg” title_text=”img0009″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

150<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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Atom 4R is shockingly good when it all comes together. Tricky to achieve that in these conditions, but it\u2019s damn fun trying. And a tad scary.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0010.jpg” title_text=”img0010″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

154<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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I may look like the Michelin man, but boy am I pleased that I\u2019ve cadged some waterproof trousers in these conditions. Thanks, Mum.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0011.jpg” title_text=”img0011″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

159<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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Another stream running across the road on corner entry, another silent thank you to the ABS in the Atom 4R. Superb pedal feel and seamless actuation. <\/span><\/p>\n

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162<\/span>\u00a0miles<\/h3>\n

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Back at the hotel in Abercynon and our two winter warriors have braved the elements with aplomb. Porche is mad. Ariel is madder. Both brilliant.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0013.jpg” title_text=”img0013″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-pullquote-notac” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

While I covet my neighbour in the Porsche with its lovely heater, the Ariel is reasonably straightforward to drive<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Atom 4R continues to attract the most attention from locals. \u2018You don\u2019t see many of them in the Valleys,\u2019 declares one perplexed-looking passer-by, and of course it\u2019s not an everyday occurence anywhere. Yet what strikes me as I rest my bottle of Coke on the mantelpiece-esque rear wing is how easy the Ariel has been to drive normally. Much of this is down to the inherent visibility and delicious control weight and simplicity, but the inclusion of two-stage ABS and seven-stage traction control is crucial.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0014.jpg” title_text=”img0014″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0015.jpg” title_text=”img0015″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Steering wheel is quickly detachable so the driver can get in and out unmaimed<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

This is the first time an Ariel has featured such technology. And while this car is all about the experience, I\u2019ve been hugely grateful for it. Especially as \u2013 even now with a twinkle of sunlight and breath of wind \u2013 the winding road that stretches from the forest all the way down to Port Talbot is generating less grip than an eel in an oil can.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0016.jpg” title_text=”img0016″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0017.jpg” title_text=”img0017″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Carving along a thin black line of tarmac hanging on gamely to the verdant mountainside, the schizophrenic tones of the Atom 4R have taken a turn. Bouncing off the blackened rock face and reverberating through my fibreglass lid, the chuffs and heaves of the turbo and intake are peppered with clashes off the limiter in first, second and third \u2013 the track-focused Yokohama A052s surrendering in their battle with the elements. Traction control is still on (down at level 3), but bear in mind this is a motorsport<\/i> traction-control system \u2013 the priority isn\u2019t so much to keep you safe as to keep you fast.<\/p>\n

Same with the ABS. As a tight left-hander approaches, the road falling away to the outside with a narrow stream of water cascading across, I lean hard on the brakes. It takes a firm press, but the feel is superb and there\u2019s barely a hint of ABS activation even as I apply lock. A mid-corner bump shows surprising travel in the suspension (we\u2019ve set it to be fairly soft on bump and rebound) but the compliance on these roads (and in this weather) is as welcome as my merino wool underlayer.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0018.jpg” title_text=”img0018″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0019.jpg” title_text=”img0019″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Left: Paddles replace lever if you opt for sequential gearbox<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Spying corner exit through the edge of my visor, I balance the throttle and start to feed it in, yet the slight delay of boost makes it hard to judge and a snap of oversteer sends my heart racing. Heading through the same corner in the Porsche, the response and predictability of the engine is dazzling and it\u2019s easier to rotate on the throttle, yet there\u2019s a comparative lack of feel through the steering and brakes. To be expected, but the Porsche also shines in its body control and poise. The Spyder RS\u2019s spring rates are roughly 50 per cent softer than the Cayman GT4 RS and as a result it\u2019s ultimately a better road car than its coupe sibling \u2013 the fiddly roof its only drawback in the real world.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s striking how easy the Ariel is to drive normally, with its visibility and delicious control weight <\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0020.jpg” title_text=”img0020″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0021.jpg” title_text=”img0021″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”car-img-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Left: Four-way adjustable; choice of road or track springs<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Back in the Atom 4R and I\u2019m doing my utmost to harness what it\u2019s capable of while also keeping my enthusiasm in check as we near the end of our drive. Even with TC on its medium settings, it feels like any over-eager application of throttle could send me straight into a lamb\u2019s living room. As even some quite modest EVs deliver 400bhp, it\u2019s easy to forget just what this kind of power can do.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no doubt that its abilities are best showcased in months that don\u2019t have an R in their name, but to keep cars like the Atom 4R locked up like a hallowed, rust-prone classic is a waste of its extreme talents. At no point did it \u2013 or indeed the Porsche \u2013 feel fragile or overwhelmed by the conditions. If anything, the weak link is the shivering lump of flesh behind the wheel.<\/p>\n

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The compliance on these roads (and in this weather) is as welcome as my merino wool underlayer<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”img-col-v4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0022.jpg” title_text=”img0022″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0023.jpg” title_text=”img0023″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”boxout-wborder” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”10px” border_color_all=”#C59720″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”subhead-mid” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”40px” header_3_font=”|700||on|||||” header_3_text_align=”center” header_3_font_size=”28px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

4R not special enough?<\/h3>\n

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Ariel may not have a snazzy online configurator, but that doesn\u2019t mean the options list isn\u2019t as long as the queue to buy one. And if it\u2019s not on the list? Ariel MD Henry Siebert-Saunders claims: \u2018We can do anything.\u2019<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not kidding. As well as the various extras we have mentioned (ABS for \u00a311,940, six-speed sequential \u2019box for \u00a313,500, AP Racing carbon brakes for \u00a35820), others we haven\u2019t include a full heated windscreen, and carbonfibre light surrounds (pictured).<\/p>\n

Even though the 4R is already more potent than the Honda that donates its engine, and its 400bhp makes it the cheapest way to achieve hypercar levels of performance, customers who insist on even more power can be accommodated \u2013 for a price. Ariel can upgrade the fuel pump, injectors, rods, crank, pistons, turbo and more.<\/p>\n

The result? Upwards of 500bhp. In other words, around the same power-to-weight ratio as a Bugatti Chiron. You are, however, looking at tens of thousands of pounds to extract that extra oomph.<\/p>\n

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<\/i><\/p>\n

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Plus<\/p>\n

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Awe-inspiring performance, wonderful feel, savage looks<\/span><\/p>\n

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Minus<\/p>\n

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<\/i><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”5px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Brass monkeys would weep<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_text_color=”#80f3fd” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Alternatives<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”22px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/i><\/i>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0025.png” title_text=”img0025″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Porsche 718 Spyder RS<\/b><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Supple and precise, while also raw and thrilling\u2026 not bad for an SUV maker<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0026.png” title_text=”img0026″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Caterham Seven 620<\/b>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The most extreme Seven currently on offer, and at \u00a360k half the price of the Porsche<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”5px” module_class=”divider-short” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”300px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/04\/img0027.png” title_text=”img0027″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”data-graphic” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#469cb6″ custom_padding=”60px||0px|30px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_font_size=”28px” background_enable_color=”off” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Data<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#FFFFFF” divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#111111″ divider_weight=”10px” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

PRICE<\/b><\/span>
\u00a377,940 (\u00a3140k as tested)
<\/span><\/p>\n

POWERTRAIN<\/b><\/span>
1996cc 16v turbo four-cylinder, six-speed sequential manual, rear-wheel drive<\/span><\/p>\n

PERFORMANCE<\/b><\/span>
400bhp @ 6500rpm, 369lb ft @ 4500rpm, 2.7sec 0-62mph, 170mph
<\/span><\/p>\n

WEIGHT<\/b><\/span>
1700kg
<\/span><\/p>\n

EFFICIENCY<\/b><\/span>
n\/a mpg, n\/a g\/km CO2
<\/span><\/p>\n

ON SALE<\/b><\/span>
Now <\/span><\/p>\n

RATING<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code module_class=”star-rating-01″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\t\"\"\t\"\"\t\"\"\t\"\"\t\"\"<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”next-month” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”3px” module_class=”divider-thin” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text module_class=”nextmonth-sub” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_font_size=”38px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Next month:<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

FORD MUSTANG DARK HORSE<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”18px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

HOT \u2019STANG THAT\u2019S HEADING THIS WAY<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

First drivesTHE WORLD\u2019S BEST WRITERS IN THE NEW CARS THAT MATTERThe300-miletestNew car meets real worldAriel Atom 4RWinter! What winter?Normal logic does not apply where Ariel is concerned. With the 4R, doubly soWords James DennisonPhotography Olgun KordalThere\u2019s no outside temperature read-out on the Ariel\u2019s solitary display, but I don\u2019t need a thermometer to confirm what my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-300-mile-test"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"jgerardo","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=246"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":329,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/246\/revisions\/329"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}