British sports car maker Ariel is putting the final touches on a new version of the world-famous Atom. Called the 3.5R, the new version is, in essence, an upgrade over the previous model, boasting more power, uprated suspension, and a new paddleshift transmission.

The normal Atoms all came with a gearbox. They first used paddleshift for the Atom V8 and now for the first time it will become available for the standard model. It’s a Sadev six-speed similar to the unit used in the Atom V8. Ariel says this is what customers want these days.

Apart from the new gearbox, Ariel Atom 3.5R will also benefit from power upgrade that increases the output of its Civic Type R engine from 310 to 350 brake horsepower. To cope with the extra oomph, the 3.5R comes with revised suspension featuring Öhlins TTX dampers with internal reservoirs which work better than the ones with remote reservoirs and offer greater body control and ride quality.

So the Ariel Atom 3.5R is faster, sharper, and more fun than ever. But for the privilege of owning one you have to shell out a whopping £80,000. That did dampen the mood a bit, didn’t it?

Via Autocar