Supercharged Ariel Atom hits 151 MPH on The Autobahn

It is so loud, the driver must wear earplugs.

The Ariel Atom is powered by a Honda-source 2.0 liter four-cylinder. This video shows the supercharger, which boosts the output to 331 horsepower (231 kilowatts). The clip lets you hear the machine roar like a banshee while the driver pushes it to 151 mph (243 km/h) on the autobahn.

The sound from the car’s Atom supercharger is dominant under acceleration. Even the driver is wearing earplugs. The windshield means that the driver does not need goggles or a helmet to keep the wind out his eyes.

Supercharged Ariel Atom hits 151 MPH on The Autobahn
It is easy to accelerate in lower gears. The speed of your gains in speed slows down only after you get to sixth gear. The road is clear enough to allow the driver to continue pushing the Ariel. It doesn’t seem possible to go faster than this digital speedometer blinks between 242 – 243 kph.

Amazing thing about the Atom? How little it has. The Atom consists of a tube frame to support the engine, two seats and a nose cone. Many don’t even come with a windshield. This clip shows the suspension and front wheel at work.

Supercharged Ariel Atom hits 151 MPH on The Autobahn

Straight-line speed is not the Atom’s forte. It is light and agile due to its mid-engine layout. This video shows that the throttle response is almost instantaneous. This would make it ideal for placing the car in the corner.

The latest Atom version is the 4 (gallery below). The Honda K20C four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is now the power source. Ariel offers an upgrade to the standard powerplant with 350 horsepower (261 kW).