An Ariel Atom makes the best Christmas present! :)

[Vhayne]

A few weeks ago, my wife and I decided to drive up to VIR and visit the Atom factory there. We met with Mark Swain, who kindly showed us around and explained how the Atom was built. It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget. Mark was awesome and very helpful with all of my questions. We did, what I thought at the time, was a simulation build -- to get an idea of price, and to go over each of the options and the differences. I had intended to return in 2013 to get this thing going. But my wife had other plans.

For Christmas, she surprised me with a deposit placed on a new custom Ariel Atom 3. We open gifts a little early each year hehe. Chassis #AA30175. I honestly can't wait! We are having the frame painted to match my rare lamborghini color, Blu Cepheus, with everything else black and carbon where available. Should be one of a kind.  Mine will have the front and rear wing as well though. I look forward to spending alot of time here on these forums, asking many questions and reading about others experiences.

[FlyingTrotter]

Excellent - can you guys in the US get the new lights/dash etc

[Vhayne]

The way I understand what Mark was saying, was that the 3.5 will be UK specific.  The US model will be getting all of the upgrades including the dash, but not the headlights for the 2013 MY.  It will just not be called "3.5" in the US.

[FlyingTrotter]

Sounds good - "3.5" is a pretty stupid name - US approach makes more sense to me

When will you collect the car ? 

[Vhayne]

It should be finished in March.  Also doing a driving experience there as well, so I'd like to try to pick it up the same day.   Would be awesome hehe.

[Monza]

Great wife 
Great car choice ! 

[speedmachine]

well those are the better presents indeed....pic of the lambo would be cool...

[Vhayne]

[quote="speedmachine"]
well those are the better presents indeed....pic of the lambo would be cool...
[/quote]

Finally figured out how to crop and resize! lol

[Vhayne]

And the plan.....

[Vhayne]

Ahh hell, figured I'd post up 1 of my other gifts from my wonderful wife.   I really don't deserve this woman.  So great to me!

[speedmachine]

This lambo is awesome! And i love your wife...but what the hell is this last thing!? Looks cool, but what is it and how hard can you push it?

[Vhayne]

[quote="speedmachine"]
This lambo is awesome! And i love your wife...but what the hell is this last thing!? Looks cool, but what is it and how hard can you push it?
[/quote]

Thanks, and I love my wife too! hehe  The last thing is a Campagna T-Rex.  Classified as a motorcycle, and is powered by a kawasaki zzr1200 inline 4 motor.  The newer ones use zx-14 motors.  2 wheels in the front, one in the back.  It weighs about the same as the Atom, or maybe a bit less I think.  I just got it a couple of days ago, and haven't had much time in it yet due to it being quite cold outside.  But it's the most "raw" machine I've driven yet aside from actual racecars.  Before driving it at all, I had all the tires replaced with some super sticky tires, and so far I haven't had any traction issues.  Of course, I haven't pushed it yet at all.  It's a TON of fun however lol.  I really can't wait for spring so I can drive it without being bundled up.  But by then I'll be juggling it with the Atom! 

[rijowysock]

[quote="Vhayne"]
And the plan.....
[/quote]

looks great, lucky man w/ great wife too!