I got a chance further test our Ariel Atom 2's numerous upgrades this weekend while taking it to the huge weekly car gathering in Irvine, CA, Cars & Coffee. As C
alifornia's only Ariel Atom dealer, this also gave me a chance to meet some local Atom owners.
The trip over the famous Ortega freeway gave me a chance to feel the full effect of the front and rear aero. Ortega is a near-15-mile road twisting through the mountains in a series of long sweepers. The car felt extremely planted and just ate up the curves.
Once over the mountains, I was able to experience Steve from Secant Vehicle's amazing engine calibration. The car was very easy to drive at low speed around town AND through the very crowded Cars & Coffee parking lot! Our power upgrade and new intercooler allowed the engine to stay strong even as the air heated up throughout the day.
The performance of this Atom 2 is unquestionable along with the attention it gets. There was constantly a crowd around the Atom even in a parking lot filled with Ford GTs, Mercedes Gullwings, a Ferrari Enzo and a Lamborghini Reventon. It even drew the attention of an upcoming car show that will 'air' on AOL.com. Look for our appearance on the show when it airs.
After spending the morning with the Atom, it is a sportscar that continues to thrill me unlike anything I've ever driven! It is a showstopper no matter where you are at - even Cars & Coffee.
