UK sports car company Ariel has released the Ariel Atom 3.5 – the latest evolution of its ballistic road-going open-wheel go-kart.

Visually, the most notable change between the old Atom 3 and the new model is the lighting system. The Atom 3.5 gains twin projector headlamps and LED turn indicators and stop lights. There’s also a new bonnet design.

Other more significant changes include chassis tuning derived from the Aton V8 and Mugan Limited Editions, which have added increased stiffness and torsional rigidity.

Suspension compliance has been enhanced, too, using revised engine mounts and new dampers, which have also improved the car’s balance and traction.

The Ariel Atom 3.5 retains the existing 2.0-litre Honda iVTEC K20Z4 engine. Power carries over at 183kW in standard form and increases to 231kW in the supercharged model. Changes to the intake, mapping and fuel system have also increased mid-range power.

There’s also an new digital LCD display unit with a speedo, tacho and all the usual functions plus gear shift indicator lights.

Owners can also add a data logger to give real-time information including lap times, position sensors and a G force meter.