While there's nothing wrong with the Italian police having a Lamborghini Gallardo->ke375 or a Huracan sports car at its disposal to apprehend those lightning-fast crooks, a British constabulary's choice for a patrol vehicle might raise a few eyebrows. No, we're not talking about a McLaren P1, although that would be awkward considering the supercar->ke177's limited availability and purpose, but the Ariel Atom->ke564, a vehicle that's light enough to sprint from 0 to 60 mph quicker than any hypercar.

Unveiled less than a month ago, the ultra-quick Atom 3.5R will serve as a police vehicle following an agreement between the British manufacturer and the local Constabulary of Avon and Somerset. Now don't go thinking the local police force responsible for protecting the county of Somerset is about to embark on a series of high-speed pursuits, because this specific Atom has a different purpose. According to Auto Express, the featherweight vehicle will help local police raise awareness among motorcycle riders about road safety through the Safer Rider campaign.

There's no explanation as to why the Somerset Constabulary picked an Ariel Atom for the campaign, but we're guessing it's because the vehicle lacks a proper shell, bearing a closer resemblance to motorbikes. It might also have something to do with the fact that Ariel will launch a motorcycle later this year.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Ariel Atom Police Car.

2014 Ariel Atom Police Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Ariel Atom Police Car
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 350
  • Torque: 243
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Ariel Atom Police Car in detail

Although it's basically a standard Atom 3.5R, the vehicle's true purpose is highlighted by the Avon and Somerset livery, the police graphics, and the pursuit lights mounted behind the driver's seat and on each side of its pointed nose.

Power is provided by the same supercharged, 2.0-liter four-pot that cranks out 350 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque in the regular, 1,220-pound sports car->ke506. The amount of oomph is enough to push it from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 155 mph. It might not serve as a pursuit vehicle, but it sure has everything it needs to complete the task.