INSANE ownership experience! Supercharged Ariel Atom.

[@jax1079]

Such a unique and amazing vehicle. Considering how rarely you see them, it was nice to hear what an actual owner (and experienced driver) has to say in retrospect. Because it's so unique and different from "normal" cars, it's nice to have someone take you through the experience on both the street and track since most of us have no point of reference for such a machine. Great breakdown! Wait, no, not a breakdown. Don't have a breakdown. Great reliable and dependable review. That's better. 🙂

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks dude! I guess you can get used to just about anything, but this one takes a lot of getting used to! I really wanted to make this video something that I can look back at down the road and remember what a special car this was.

[@samyb2834]

Absolute underrated channel. Amazing content.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Love to hear that, thanks! Learning as I go, plenty of room to improve 😀

[@CodeBlueNurburgringAtom]

Amazing video Josh! You did that car justice, and your driving skills are legit! You’re definitely taking that Atom to its limits on a challenging track.

[@JoshVanVeld]

It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it 😆😆😂

[@eromain37]

Another GREAT video Josh. Always loved the Atom a lot and ur review confirmed why we should all!!!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Really glad you enjoyed it! I waited to review the Atom until I felt like I had the driving skills and KZbin know-how to try to do the car justice. Onward and upward!

[@dhx7663]

Great cars. Mine is just at atom as I crashed at 130 mph in a grass wall at Goodwood. Me and the passenger didn’t even have a bruise. Hope to have it back in 7 weeks

[@JoshVanVeld]

Wow, glad everyone was ok! I’d love to visit Goodwood some day.

[@JNatella]

Gotta get a trailer. I actually enjoy the Atom more having the option to just throw it in the trailer after a long day. I actually trailered it out to a buddies house (2 hours away) for an all day cruise, drove the best back roads in the state, and then threw it back in the trailer and drove home. Putting those miles on the car and making that drive without the trailer wouldn't have happened (at least not as frequently.)

[@JoshVanVeld]

Smart! Yeah it's a lot like a motorcycle in that regard - when you want to drive it, there's nothing like it... but it's not well-suited for anything but spirited driving on nice, dry roads. Luckily I have mountains in my back yard and a racetrack down the road, but I'd like to try it at other tracks and there's no way I'm driving it someplace that's hours away. Then again, the Brits seem to drive theirs regardless of weather. Respect!

[@andypandy9931]

I love those cars. The original factory is down the road from me in Somerset, its only small, I expect yours was made in the US.

[@JoshVanVeld]

Correct, the US market cars are built in Virginia by a company called TMI. Seems they are more plentiful and less expensive in the UK.

[@stevengrizzle]

Its practical, in that you can drive it to the track

[@JoshVanVeld]

Fair point! It's practical enough to get the job done.

[@chrisbrookshire861]

Have had a chance to compare to the exomotive exocet?

[@JoshVanVeld]

Good question! I have not gotten a chance to drive an Exocet but I am intrigued by them for sure. I would love to do a track review, so if you happen to know anybody who has one, have them hit me up!

[@chrisbrookshire861]

@@JoshVanVeld So the NA and NB are supposed to have close to 50/50 weight balance. But when going to an exocet they become front heavy. But Keith Tanner says they retain a lot of the Miata handling characteristics and Matt Farah from Smoking Tire says the front engine nature of the Exocet makes it feel not as frantic as the Ariel. You being a long time owner who's gotten accustomed to the handling of the Atom I would really like to hear what you say about the Exocet. But yeah I don't know anyone local in ATL with one unless Kevin Patrick of Exomotive still has one.

[@JoshVanVeld]

@@chrisbrookshire861 Thanks to your comment I pinged a guy I know through the Project EG FB group who has one locally and he said he's game to let me try his on track. Hopefully we'll get that set up soon. Thanks for the push!

[@chrisbrookshire861]

@@JoshVanVeld Ayyyeee

[@Splitting_Atoms]

What are you using for a com system?

[@JoshVanVeld]

The intercom is by Speedcom. I think the headsets are from racing radios. I had to get adapters so the racing radios headsets would work with the imsa style intercom if I remember correctly.

[@Splitting_Atoms]

@@JoshVanVeld Thank you much appreciated

[@fstlnj29]

they don't require arm restraints?

[@JoshVanVeld]

Nope! Your track day organization rules may vary though.

[@fstlnj29]

@@JoshVanVeld interesting. very cool car!

[@stevengrizzle]

nice!

[@JoshVanVeld]

Thanks!