Ariel Atom Gets 700hp Power Boost

Those of us lucky enough to have driven an Ariel Atom will know that "she's a bit slow" is not a common complaint.

DDMWorks, a South Carolina-based tuning house, apparently did have that complaint, and has dropped in more power. A lot more power.

Even more power than the V8-engined Atom 500.

Since 2006, US Atoms have been fitted with the GM ECOtec 2.0 litre as an option, with a range of power outputs roughly identical to the standard Honda-sourced engines.

Considering the Atom is a pair of ladders welded together with an engine, wheels and not much else, the lightweight Atom moves down the road with impressive vigour.

Since early 2010, DDMWorks has offered a 270kW+ upgrade for the ECOtec using the twin-charge approach, with Borg-Warner turbos and Harrop superchargers.

For the Atom 700, DDMWorks takes the ECOtec, then pairs a Garrett turbo and supercharger to get to a grand total of 700hp, or just over 520kW.