The Ariel Atom V8 was introduced in February 2008 featuring a 500 horsepower 3.0 litre 32v John Hartley V8 engine which is derived from a pair of Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engines, and that explains why peak torque arrives at 7750rpm. The Atom V8 has carbon fibre body panels and aerofoils, chromoly aerofoil wishbones, an integrated function steering wheel, Alcon four-piston brake calipers, and Dymag magnesium wheels. The engine weighs 90 kg (198 lb) and is coupled to a SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox. The final production version has 550 kg (1,213 lb) and 909 bhp/tonne (or 1.1kg/hp). Only 25 were built.

Ariel claims it will accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 2.3 seconds!

On 23 January 2011, the Ariel Atom 500 V8 set the lap record around the Top Gear test track, with a time of 1:15.1, making it the fastest road-legal car to go around the track. A record that stood for over two years, until the Pagani Huayra completed a lap in 1:13.8 on 27 January 2013.