3. Ariel Atom V8
(Season 16, Episode 1)
Only the track-biased DNA of the $1.5 million FXX stopped the Ferrari taking up residence on the power lapboard permanently. The $150K Ariel Atom V8 though had nothing to worry about: like the Ferrari, it was stunningly quick; unlike the Ferrari, it was fully road legal. Given that it was essentially a roll cage with pedals, wheels and a rear wing attached meant it weighed 500kg and its 500bhp 3-litre Suzuki-derived V8 ensured a 1:1 power to weight ratio. The lap itself of ‘the Japanese lunatic’ was partially wet and mostly sideways, but fast enough to knock the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport from the top spot by nearly two seconds at 1m 15.1s. New Stig’s dynamic debut at the start of season 16 had been a memorable one.
TOP 10 continues on page 4
