The UK's Ariel, maker of the street-legal, open-wheel Atom roadster, is bringing the big boy's tube-frame go-kart to the US. The company has contracted with Oregon-based Brammo Motorsports to build and distribute the Atom stateside, with a few minor changes from the UK model. Supply issues prevented Brammo from using the Honda 2.0 liter i-VTEC motor that powers the UK edition. Instead, American buyers will get a supercharged version of GM's 2.4-liter Ecotec engine — the one found in the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky — though the company is still considering other engine options. No word on release date, yet, though the company is accepting orders as of yesterday. The precisely named Automotive Articles offers an extensive profile. [Thanks to Richard for the tip.]
The Ariel Atom meets the USA [Automotive Articles]
Related:
The UK's Ariel Atom: An Open Car for the Open Road; Ariel Atom Video: Zero to 100 to Zero [internal]