Ariel Atom 3.5R

Recently there has been a big increase in the number of track-focused cars. These are being bought by people who want a car that is light and agile and can trouble a supercar around a circuit. There was the KTM X-bow, the BAC mono, and the Ariel Atom. This car came from a small startup company and was the best of them all because of its looks, agility and pace. The car this post is based on is the new, even more hardcore version of the basic Atom, which borrows tech, and some parts, from the limited run Atom V8. The engine is sadly not a V8 but a supercharged version of the normal Honda 2 litre engine. This gives the Atom more power and torque, and keeps the weight to a minimum. Indeed, the car still only weighs 550kg but wields 350bhp. This has some devastating effects on the performance figures. Power to weight ratio? 647bhp/tonne. This leads to acceleration figures of 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds. That's Veyron/Venom territory. 

 

There are also design additions to set it apart from the basic Atom, not least the front and rear wings. You can also option the side pods which contain a charge cooler and an oil cooler and also make it look beefier. The top speed is still relatively low, though, at 155mph. The acceleration figures are only due to the light weight. 

All this adrenalin comes at a price, though. Almost £65,000, in fact. For a car that does not even have a roof or windscreen. But the people who buy this won't care about that. What the want is a car that will submit the fastest lap at a track day and make them feel very satisfied about it.

Nev





 

Which country makes the best cars?

The very first thing I must mention is that the title isn't very accurate. This is because obviously it depends what you mean by best. For solid engineering the Germans obviously win hands down. Style and aesthetics? Italian cars are the best by far. Cheap but fizzy hatchbacks? France, in my opinion. Reliability? The japenese have always been good at that. Lots of power for not much money? America will be your first point of call. Cool but subtle luxury? Most people view Britain as the place for that.

This is what most people will hold as the fundamental beliefs about a countries car making abilities. However, it is definitely worth mentioning the obvious exceptions to this, which shows that a country can be good at more than just one aspect of the automotive spectrum. The American cars of old we're very good at the luxury thing, Britain used to be good at fizzy sports cars to. Actual car exceptions include the Poesche 911, more fun than solid. But, in general, the old stereotypes remain. An American car will always be scoffed at for being cheap, a Japenese car for being boring, likewise a German car, and Italian super cars will always be classed as unreliable. But, by playing their strengths, it has ensured that the automotive spectrum is incredibly diverse and exciting, no matter where you come from

Nev

 

The Canadian Grand Prix

The latest race in the formula one calendar took place in Canada a week ago today. And, as ever, there were a fair few surprises in store. Qualifying saw the Mercedes cars take one and two, with Rosberg managing to take pole ahead of Hamilton. The Williams cars did surprisingly well, qualifying 4th and 5th behind Sebastian Vettel who took 3rd.

The actual race turned out to be a race of attrition as temperatures were high. Both Marussia's retired on the very first race, a downturn after their first points last race. Both Caterhams also retired due to the heat, and both Lotuses retired also, Maldonado from an engine failure and Grosjean from rear wing damage. But most of the action came towards the end of the race. Both Mercedes cars reported engine problems at the same time, with Hamilton having to retire because of it. This left Rosberg limping round the track without his electric motor. The group behind him, consisting of Perez, Ricciardo, Vettel and Massa, caught him up but could not get passed because of defensive driving from Perez. Eventually Ricciardo overtook Perez and, on the third to last lap, overtook Rosberg too. On the second to last lap there was a very big crash between Perez and Massa, leading to them both being airlifted to hospital and Perez consequently being issued with a 5 place grid penalty for causing a collision . This has lead to a lot of arguing between force India and Williams, both blaming each other for the crash. At the end of the race Ricciardo took his very first race win, with Rosberg limping in at second and Vettel getting a podium in third. Jensen Button took a surprising fourth, with the two Ferrari's struggling in 6th and 10th. The next race in in a weeks time in Austria.

Nev

Below: Perez and Massa crash on the penultimate lap

Laferrari

So, the final contender for the title of best hypercar has arrived. After keeping it under wraps for so long, it has finally been revealed. With a fire-breathing V12 mated to a silent electric motor. This car is significantly better than the Enzo of before, being lighter, more ridged and more spacious inside (even though the roofline is lower. What sorcery is this?),and with a lower centre of mass. The Laferrari encompasses the electric motor to fill in gaps in the V12's torque, rather than to create an all-electric mode as in the Maclaren P1. However, to say that it does not improve efficiency is wrong. On the contrary, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 50% than if the car didn't use the motor. 

The Laferrari uses a lot of formula one-style technology in its construction. The use of different composite tyres and the use of regenerative braking both help it to be more extreme on the road or track. Despite this the Laferrari weighs just 1255kg, which is amazing when you realise that it is a hybrid. The combined horsepower of this machine is 950bhp, but it will cost you £1million pounds for the privilege. However, if it is any consolation you do get your name engraved on the steering wheel if you did buy it. Which you can't as they are all sold out. And you have to meet some very strict regulations if you wanted to buy one. Regulations no ordinary mortal could meet. Oh we'll, I just hope I get to see one in real life. I'm easy to please.

Nev

So, which one would you have? 918, P1 or Laferrari? Verdicts would be appreciated In the comments box and I will make sure I reply. Let the arguing commence.

The Monaco Grand Prix

The latest in the formula one calendar was Monaco, which was on TV yesterday (sorry about the lack of review on the Spanish Grand Prix). As Monaco is one of the most challenging tracks of the season, everyone was expecting a lot of action. And they were not disappointed. Qualifying saw a few crashes, which included Daniel Kvyat spinning across the chicane. A lot of people will now be suspicious of Nico Rosberg as he (controversially) accidentally locked up on the last lap and caused a yellow flag to be raised, meaning that Lewis Hamilton could not beat his qualifying lap so Rosberg could take pole. People are accusing Rosberg of purposefully locking up but he has been cleared by the FIA, something that may put peoples minds at rest. Results of qualifying can be found at the usual place.

The race itself was full of action. Rosberg led from the start and came through to win, Hamilton backing off in the middle of the race because he had dirt in his eye. Sebastian Vettel was unable to finish because of mechanical problems, while Pastor Maldonado was unable to start. There were a lot of incidents,too many to list here, but Jules Bianchi managed to finish 9th to take Marrusia's first ever formula one points, something they were very exited about. Towards the end of the race Daniel Riccardo was trying to overtake Lewis Hamilton, who was on very old tyres. He did not manage it but still managed to be 3rd. The results can also be found at the normal place. The next race will be in Canada,in two weeks time.

Nev

2015 Ford Mustang: yea or neigh?

The picture below is of the upcoming ford mustang, arriving in 2015. As you can probably tell, effort have been made to make this (the 10th incarnation of Americas most iconic muscle car) look futuristic while still keeping the familiar 'stang shape. Indeed, the designers have made special efforts to maintain the classic muscle car silhouette. But with modern twists. I particularly like the redesigned front headlights, because to me the previous ones looked a bit awkward. 

But it is not just the car that is new. The market is also new. In other words, the mustang is being imported to Europe. HORRAY!! And in right hand drive. DOUBLE HORRAY!! And with the option of an ecoboost engine. HORR... wait, an ecoboost ford engine? In a mustang? Are they mad?! Apparently not. See, while people like me dream about the GT version (if you're going to have a mustang, why not go the whole way?) most Europeans are (apparently) more interested in petrol prices than mustang muscle. The ecoboost (a 2 litre, if anyone is interested) is Fords compromise to importing the mustang for the second time (a small number of the original were imported to Germany). So, to try and make more money than they will spend importing them, a economical version is in the model range. Ford claim that the ecoboost will be the most selling variant. But will it? Will anone want an economical mustang? We will have to wait and see.

Nev

What is the ultimate three car garage?

As this post is somewhat of a special occasion (being my tenth post. ok, maybe not that special) I thought that I would take the time to make a lot of enemies by tackling the question faced by every car-lover the world over (usually when they are extremely bored). If you could have any three cars, what would they be? I don't doubt that every combo would be different, and that they would vary widely, from Reliant Robins (well, someone might) to McLaren P1's (a lot more probable).

Ok, enough stalling, time for me to come out and say it. After a long and thoughtful (and long) car journey I have reached a verdict, one that not even I am happy with. Firstly I would have to have a Laferrari. Out of the three this would probably be the least controversial. After seeing it on the cover of the latest Top Gear magazine, I decided that it must be in my garage. Second would probably be a Lamborghini Countach from the olden days. The car itself was made to be special and even though I was not alive when it came out it has still found its way into my heart. The last car in my garage would have to be a Lotus Evora GTE (no, my love affair with Lotus is still going strong). Something about its curvaceous body matched with carbon fibre addition matched with the ability to demolish both road and track meant that it had to be in the big three.

But I am not happy with it. How is three supposed to even scratch the surface of the cars that I lust after. Some other very strong contenders for the top spots included:

• The new corvette stingray
• The 2015 Ford Mustang
• The lotus Esprit V8
• A DMC Delorean
• A Ferrari 250 GTO
• A Lamborghini Miura
• many, many more... 

Now that I have had my say in this most controversial of car questions, I know that lots of you will be bursting to have your say in the matter. And these outbursts can be directed at the comment box, where they will be appreciated, completely stupid or not. May the arguments begin!

Nev