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Poll: 2018 Ariel Atom narrowly shades BAC Mono

This week, we're looking at the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra – in pre-production guise, naturally.


The new Ariel Atom, complete with an engine from the Honda Civic Type R, has narrowly pipped the BAC Mono for British track-car supremacy in our latest poll.

Although it looks similar to the Atom we've come to know and love, the Type R-powered car pictured here really is all new. It shares just the clutch, brake pedal and fuel filler cap with the model it replaces, with Simon Saunders, Ariel managing director, describing it as the "biggest change to the car" since it was released in 1999.

With a six-speed transmission, rear-drive, a limited-slip differential and a 595kg kerb weight, the Atom 4 will hit 60mph (97km/h) in just 2.8 seconds, and keep pulling to 261km/h flat out. That was enough to win 52 per cent of the vote, sneaking a pass mark.

It should handle more sharply than its predecessor, thanks to a new suspension, steering and braking setup. Oh, and it's coming to Australia.

Meanwhile, the Mono is no slouch itself. It only has seating for one, making it the selfish choice, and is powered by a 2.3-litre Cosworth engine producing 210kW and 280Nm. Maybe voters are into sharing the joy with a passenger?



THIS WEEK'S POLL

Hype for the Toyota Supra is reaching a fever pitch, with the car's official in-person debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month. We know the car will share its underpinnings with the BMW Z4, so which one would you take?



UPDATE: It looks like Facebook is doing silly things with its embedded media, as the poll options are no longer appearing above. For now, if you'd like to vote, head to our Facebook post. Otherwise, stay tuned for the results next week.

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