Police get tough with Ariel Atom supercar

ANYONE with a taste for speed might fear the sight of flashing blue lights in their mirrors, but nothing could be more frightening than this! British supercar maker Ariel has created this police-specification version of its new Atom 3.5 in order to support the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Safer Rider campaign. The Atom PL1 has the same 350bhp supercharged 2.0-litre Honda engine, sequential gearbox and spectacular performance as the regular car – with a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds it can match most superbikes – but with the addition of Avon and Somerset Constabulary livery, aerodynamic pursuit lights and safety equipment.

Motion Simulation TL1: Ariel builds an immersive simulator

Ariel Moto Company, makers of the mad-yet-minimalist Atom sportscar, have teamed up with new UK firm Motion Simulation to develop and manufacture the TL1 immersive motion simulator. Featuring a spherical immersive projection screen and adjustable driving position, the TL1's composite pod allows vicarious thrill-seekers to try piloting anything from an F1 car to a combat aircraft with a greater degree of realism than existing simulator chairs. In the video above, the TL1 is configured as as Touring Car racer.

Buick to scrap trim levels

Buick will eliminate its “CX,” “CXL” and “CXS” trim levels in the 2012 model year, opting for a few “stair-step” packages instead, one of the brand's top marketers said today. “It isn't befitting a premium brand. No other premium brand has those designations,” said Craig Bierley, Buick-GMC director of advertising and sales promotion.