We come across a lot of people who communicate pretty intensely, their desire to get their hands on an Ariel Atom, so we thought we'd put it out there to find out just how badly you want one & what you would do (or think you might do) to get your hands on one.
Don't think you're alone - we're so keen to get one on the road that I'm pretty sure I'd sell the advertising rights for every part of my body if I thought it'd get me one sooner.
So what would you do?
Friday, June 22, 2007
How badly do you want it? (and what would you do to get it?)
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11 comments:
I can't wait to hear about compliance and then working to get one. This is how all cars should be produced: lightweight, smaller engines, just like the new breed of private jets. There is zero reason a car should be over 1,000kg. Hurry up and get the compliance!
I recon we need to create a major demand for this car here in Australia. I don't mean just a demand to see it here on road I mean a demand from buyers for a relatively large volume of cars. This could be the only way to prevent prices getting out of control. I've contacted Open Wheeler Imports who currently bring the car to NZ (where it's legal) and Australia (track car) and I'm told the car will include around $25-30k in Australian tax, transport and compliance costs so please keep this in mind when looking at international pricing. Based on new car prices for the UK & US cars that puts it in your garage for around $120,000.
Now I’m sorry but that defeats the whole purpose of this car as a stripped down pure bred sports car that’s affordable to a much wider audience. And this is a great shame because that is precisely what this car was intended to be.
No doubt there are folks out there who will happily part with the asking price but unless we manage to start building the car here or prices drop considerable I’m afraid I won’t be one of them.
Rath
Thanks for your comments Rath. You're right to say there will be considerable costs involved in not only getting the Atom to Australia, but also in taxes, compliancing etc, however your estimation of $120k is over-shooting the mark a little. Having said that, at this rough price point, even $10k-$20k less still makes it a rather expensive toy.
Unfortunately production of the Atom here in Australia is not a feasible option so hopefully the die-hards who desperately want an Atom are prepared to part with some reasonably serious dollars. I'm sure all those who do get their hands on one will not regret it.
I'd consider buying openwheeler to get the compliance process a bit of a hurry up.
You can buy a 245hp model in the US for US$70k - at todays exchange rate thats only around AUD$79k - how lucky are those guys! Local US manufacturing undoubtably helps..
hi im 17 i watch a lot of tv (topgear) i found it a supercar OMG and CHEAP i like (AU$75k) now shipping and tax is a ripoff so it would be better for you and me, look australia is the next china (wink) when i save up ill get a fishing boat sail to usa buy 1 or 2(mate) and smuggle it in so i dont pay tax :) but then the cops will be on to me mate :( i think their is a big demand + we have cheap materials like metal aloy, aluminum, steel, etc; we have mines = cheap shit, ok you dont need a big factory just a small 1 for the aussie people comon USA, UK, European they get it all 1st give us a go + we have a shit load of land = testing for our heavy conditions Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi go on have a go the australian spirit
Aussie oi
To Ariel Atom said...
August 14, 2007 10:05 PM
as you said its a high hit, think about it when you have your millions in your pocket:)
if so give the aussie people a discount:) :) :) :) :)
or make a deal with honda you do have the super charged motor yer yer and do like a split rate with them for australia you know what im talking about im no business man think PLZ :)
another 20 years for it to reach compliance, that's what the red tape is, ill be old & grey by then, so much for middle age ! Mr Clarkson,
im so amazed that the US can put this through & yet Australia it takes forever, there has to be something seriously wrong with our system that's for sure
I am considering living in the UK for 12 months and bringing one back as a personal import, have spoken to a automotive engineer and it should be doable, not sure about UK weather for 12 months :)
How many are there in Australia at the moment?
hi every one if u want an atom go to rcr in qld its the closest u will get in aus and cheaper and a stronger chasi u can get the atom motor or 4 even more fun a evo 9 turbo donk 0 to 100 with evo motor 2.5 should be a blast. Mine is allmost finished... The only down side is the only thing asembled is the chasi the rest is up 2 u
From what i have seen I think their is a big market here in Australia. Most Australians escpescially males like racing and their is no better way to race then in an affordable ultra light atom. I think it is a waste for them not exploiting our market because if they made them here or just lowered the price guaranteed heaps of people would buy it. If they were cheap enough here hell i would even buy more than 1...
As an alternate option, there are many localy available vehicles for sale, like the Westfields and PRB's among others that make for a well proven and succesful track car, and are priced in the high $30K - low $40K bracket. Most are also street registered and some even have Aus compliance plates fitted. You can also get Caterhams as well both new and second hand. What about Elfins ?
Food for thought.......
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