Top Gear did a segment on the Atom:
http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/press.htm
The Stig drove it on the test track. Same track used that is used for cars featured on the show.
The Atom was beaten by:
1 Koenigsegg CCX (with TG spoiler) 1.17.6
2 Pagani Zonda F 1.18.4
3 Maserati MC12 1.18.9
4 Ferrari Enzo 1.19.0
5 Ariel Atom 1.19.5
6 Porsche Carrera GT 1.19.8
Dirt cheap performance.
Jim S.