Skip advert
Advertisement

Ariel Aero-P Atom concept uses ground-effect aerodynamics

New concept features battery-powered aerodynamic technology

Ariel has unveiled a new Aero-P Atom concept which uses clever ground-effect aerodynamic technology to help the car produce downforce even when it's stationary.

The system is reminiscent of the Formula 1 'fan car' - the Brabham BT46B - which generated downforce by using a fan to extract air from the underside of the car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the Aero-P Atom concept, or to quote its full name, the 'Aerodynamic Efficiency Requirements & Optimisation Project', there are a pair of fans mounted underneath the car, with a rubber skirt forming a seal around the ground.

The end result is ground effect aerodynamics, without the increased drag generate by a wing or aerofoil. Produced in collaboration with TotalSim and Delta Motorsport, the Aero-P's fans operate using a standalone battery which can be controlled either manually, or deployed automatically during braking, accelerating and cornering.

Ariel's decision to use ground effect aero came out of the fact it claimed traction was starting to be limited by mechanical grip. Moving to the fan car system allows increased grip, without some of the penalties that come with a wing.

>Read our Ariel Nomad review

Ariel has said that the concept won't directly influence a production car unfortunately, although if you would still like to see it, it will be on show at the Low Carbon Vehicle Show at Millbrook Proving Ground on the 14th and 15th of September.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024