Ariel has announced the Atom 500, which uses a 2.4-liter V8 from RS Performance.

The peak output of 500 horsepower is achieved at 10,000 rpm. Peak torque is 300 pound-feet at 8,500 rpm. The engine, priced at $200,000, is combined with a six-speed Sadev transmission with paddle shifters.

Other features include chromoly aerofoil wishbones, integrated function steering wheel, Alcon four-piston brake calipers, and Dymag magnesium wheels reports leftlanenews.

"This is an interesting project for us and an experimental departure from what we normally produce," said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel. "For a few customers the Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car. We also use this sort of project to explore the possibilities of how we can improve our standard cars."