UPCOMING CARS FROM JAY'S GARAGE:
Suzuki GSX R1000 Coming July 6!
MainThe GarageThe CarsVideosPhotosArticlesGamesCommunityThe Tonight Show
Ariel Atom
 

This Ariel Atom is the first of its kind built in the United States—and Jay’s lucky enough to own it. This rocket clocks 0-60 in a blazing 2.8 seconds. Enough said. Actually, the speed and torque of this 300hp 2.O Litre Chevy Ecotec engine is helped by the fact that it has no doors, windows or even a windshield. It consists of all the building blocks you need to go fast: a chassis, an engine and some brakes. That’s it. Okay and some nice leather seats.

No doors, no windows, just the need for speed.

This distincitve sports car was originally made by the Ariel Motor Company based in Somerset, England. A couple of engines are now available; a supercharged Honda Civic Type-R K20 engine and the Supercharged Ecotec, both of which can reach speeds rivaling pricier rides. Jay says the Honda is a bit more unbalanced between the two. That’s why he likes with the Ecotec.

Although the top speed of approximately 140-150 mph is relatively modest compared to the exotics, the high power-to-weight ratio (approximately 500 bhp/ton) provides ample acceleration and handling through tight spots, as there is so little weight to throw the car out of the turn.

Brammo Motorsports of Ashland, Oregon has signed a deal with Ariel Ltd to manufacture the Atom in the USA. It is available with the supercharged GM Ecotec engine introduced in 2004 on the Saturn ION Red Line and also used in the Cobalt SS.

While the Ariel will certainly draw looks, it might also help you to lose your hearing. The engine is probably louder than a speeding locomotive. So wear a helmet and some ear plugs.

RELATED LINKS
More Videos from Jay's Garage

Ariel Atom Photo Gallery
More
YOUR GARAGEUpload a photo and share specs of your ride.
More
More
Related Articles
Jay Leno's Garage - Ceramics Class Porsche has made a really worthwhile contribution to the supercar genre. The Carrera GT's multiplate clutch is lighter and smaller than any comparable unit.
Jay Leno's Garage - For The Record Just out for a drive--in a Porsche Carrera GT on the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway.
An Art Form Lost Owner's manuals once were more than a collection of warnings and cautions. They used to enhance ownership.
An Under-Appreciated Classic: the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S A strange, pistonless engine in a strange-looking sports car proves to be an irresistible combination.
More
Copyright NBC Studio, Inc. 2009
All Rights Reserved. The Tonight Show.
Main | The Garage | The Cars | Videos | Photos | Articles | Games | Community | The Tonight Show | Privacy & Terms of Use | NBC.COM