Ariel Atom 3 Mugen

What‘s it? The Ariel Atom 3 Mugen is really a variant of Ariel's Atom to slot between the bottom 245bhp version and also the 300bhp Supercharged. Tuned to 270bhp by Mugen (Honda's family-founded but independent tuning arm ), it is also more track-focused than another pair, that ostensibly road-biased cars. The Mugen wears the springs and dampers from the V8, has four-pot brake calipers, ventilated discs and also a limited-slip differential while there is the V8's digital dash inside (I state 'inside', however you really know what I am talking about ). Production is limited to 10 units and that they all obtain the natty red / white colour scheme (a flip from the colours available ). What is it like? Mugen has performed the initial tuning upon the 2. 0-litre Type R engine, with Ariel's final tweaking making its delivery suit the lightweight flyer. It revs to about 8600rpm, where additionally makes peak power, and that is good enough, so it is claimed, for any 0-60mph sprint in around 3. 0sec. I will believe it. Getting this kind of power given by a naturally aspirated lump hasn't come without some compromises though. As a 'normal' Atom is easygoing at any speeds, there will be two of which the Mugen is happy : pottering around at low revs, in which the engine's docile enough but you will not such as the ride. Or there is the zone beyond a 4000-5000 flat spot where, you will be unsurprised to find out, it is far better. Much, much, better. The Atom Mugen gets more rewarding the harder you push it. Its engine is peachy, having a ridiculously loud induction snarl right from our left ear which makes it preferable, for myself, towards the supercharged car. Keep it in its powerband then it‘s absolutely epic. Ditto the suspension, whose firmness gives it brilliant body control, and enables terrific feedback and adjustability. it does not have to take to poorly surfaced roads too well, but on smoother asphalt it is superb, and it'd devour tracks for fun. You‘ve got also got to undertake a little harder compared to a Supercharged to obtain the best from it, you have to keep it upon the boil. Do this then it‘s an intoxicating experience. Should I buy one? Maybe. At £49, 740 the Atom Mugen it is not cheap, but this really is arguably the foremost rewarding Atom to drive hard. If you'd mainly use one like a road car, it is most likely not for you personally. But like a track-biased tool it is superb : the greater you set in, the greater you go back to. It could you need to be our favourite Atom of the instant. Ariel Atom 3 MugenPrice : £49, 740 ; Top speed : 150mph ; 0-60mph : 3. 0sec ; Economy : na ; Co2 : na ; Kerbweight : 550kg ; Engine : 4cyls, 1998cc, petrol ; Power : 270bhp at 8600rpm ; Torque : 188lb ft at 6000rpm ; Gearbox : 6-spd manual Ariel Atom 3 Mugen