Police draft in 350bhp Ariel Atom for motorcycle operation

POLICE have all sorts of inconspicuous vehicles in their armoury against road traffic offenders, some of which can be notoriously difficult to spot on the roads. Less so this one, just drafted in by Avon and Somerset Police to use in an operation targeting motorcyclists. 

The car makes a claimed 350bhp and does 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds.

Unsurprisingly, the force seems excited.

Roads policing sergeant Andy Parsons said: ‘I am really excited that Ariel has joined with us to bring project Safer Rider to fruition.’

A release from Ariel said: ‘The Ariel Atom, which is manufactured in Somerset has been called the closest thing to a motorbike with four wheels. Holder of various performance records, the Atom has also beaten superbikes in races around a track and can outperform nearly every road vehicle. The car used by Avon and Somerset Constabulary is based on the latest Atom 3.5R fitted with a supercharged 350bhp Honda engine, sequential gearbox and has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds. Fitted with unique Avon and Somerset livery, the latest aerodynamic Hella pursuit lights and emergency equipment, the Atom PL1 is intended to be a highly-impactive engagement vehicle that will send a cautionary message to motorcyclists.’

The car will be on display at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Somerset on Sunday June 8 from 10am until 4pm.

Ariel is due to unveil a Honda VFR1200F-powered motorcycle at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month.