BAC MONO - AN ENTHRALLING NEW SINGLE-SEAT PERFORMANCE CAR DESIGNED AND BUILT BY ENTHUSIASTS FOR ENTHUSIASTS
Enthusiasts the world over dream of designing and building their own car. What set the Cheshire-born brothers Neill and Ian Briggs apart from most, is that they had the automotive qualifications and experience to do just that, and put the result into production for others to enjoy - enter the BAC MONO.
MONO (as in monoposto, or single seat) was designed to bring formula race car levels of handling, performance and thrill to the public road, but it's also the perfect trackday tool, racing school car, one-make series racer, etc. At 520 bhp / ton, its power to weight ratio surpasses that of the Bugatti Veyron and it can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, 100 mph in 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 170 mph. The car is also an object of engineering perfection and desire, courtesy of the Briggs brothers' 15 years experience of the motor industry, during which time they've handled design and engineering consultancy projects for the likes of Ford Motor Company, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, through their company Adaptive Space.
Of British conception, MONO combines the very best of all automotive worlds. Its aerodynamics were optimised using CFD in partnership with Stuttgart University, while its list of suppliers reads like a Who's Who of the international motorsport industry. The vehicle is constructed in carbon fibre with a tubular steel driver safety cell, complete with FIA-compliant roll over protection system - similar in concept to a DTM race car. Power comes from a 280 bhp, normally-aspirated 2.3-litre Cosworth unit mounted longitudinally and mated to an electronically-controlled, paddle-shift, six-speed sequential Hewland transmission with limited-slip differential. The rose-jointed, aero profiled pushrod suspension features adjustable Sachs Racing dampers derived from the heat of competition. The braking is by AP Racing, the bespoke HRT alloy wheels by OZ Racing, the purpose-developed, street-legal track tyres by Kumho, and the vehicle electronics and instrumentation by GEMS.
The driver is secured by a full six-point racing harness by Willans and there is a secure locker in which to store a helmet and the detachable steering wheel when parked. The seat is fixed for safety and optimum weight distribution (48/52 front to rear), and drivers of varying shapes and sizes can be readily accommodated thanks to the fully adjustable pedal box and steering column that can be altered for both height and rake. There is even the option of an F1-style fully-profiled seat.
Said Ian Briggs (BAC stands for Briggs Automotive Company): "MONO is the culmination of a 12-year dream for us - the car we wanted to own but nobody else made." Neill Briggs added: "All cars are built to order on a first-come, first-served basis and our flexible production facility has the capacity to manufacture between 50 and 100 vehicles per year - or more if demand requires. All I can currently say is, the early response has been extremely encouraging."
At �79,950 (including UK taxes), the BAC MONO is not only highly desirable but eminently affordable. For further details, log onto www.bac-mono.com.
From BAC:
Concept
Introducing Mono, a lightweight, ultra high performance, road legal sports vehicle designed and manufactured using the latest racing technology. Aimed at drivers who seek a purist driving experience and for whom design, engineering excellence and performance are of paramount importance, Mono is an aggressive design and will set a new benchmark in the small, but elite segment of radical, lightweight sports cars.
Design
The single central-seat gave our designers and project engineers the ultimate blank canvas on which to assemble their dream. The organic, enclosed front and exposed mechanical rear typifies the unique appearance of Mono. The design aesthetic is intended to combine sculpted, sleek, organic forms to provide an emotional, human connection juxtaposing the technical, mechanical elements of the car.
While this vision runs throughout Mono's appearance it was fundamental to our designers that form follow function on all aspects of the car. The necessity to gain access to the central driving position and adjustable dampers as well as providing clean airflow to the radiators and engine are just some of the factors on which Mono's architecture is built.
Technical
Above all else Mono has been designed to optimise the driving position – in the middle, central to the wheels, and the balance of the car.
Mono is constructed using high-strength carbon fibre composite around a steel safety cell. The cell is designed to offer maximum safety featuring a FIA compliant steel rollover structure, a sophisticated side impact structure and a front carbon crashbox.
Powering Mono is a longitudinally mounted 2.3 litre, 280 bhp four cylinder power plant provided by Cosworth. Coupled to that engine is an F-3 spec 6-speed sequential gearbox from Hewland.
Suspension is a fully-adjustable pushrod suspension with damping elements made by SACHS Racing. Fitted with 295mm ventilated discs, AP Racing brakes provide stopping power.
Tyre manufacturer Kumho has used their vast experience in motorsport and road cars to develop a special rubber compound for Mono, which is designed to work with the low weight and optimized pushrod suspension.
Mono’s central driving position makes the driver an integral component of the car, creating an unparalleled synergy between man and machine. With this in mind, each customer is fitted for his or her seat, pedal reach and preferred driving position.
Vehicle Specification
Dimensions and Weight
Overall width 1800mm
Overall length 3952mm
Height 1110mm
Wheelbase 2565mm
Ground clearance 100 mm (f) 110 mm (r)
Kerb weight 540kg
Power to weight 520 bhp per tonne
Weight distribution f/r 48% / 52%
Engine
Type 4 cylinder, in-line
Installation Mid longitudinal rwd
Total displacement 2300cc
Maximum Power 280 bhp at 7700rpm
Maximum Torque 280 Nm at 6000rpm
Tyres and Wheels
Tyres (f) Kumho V70a 205/40 R17
Tyres (r) Kumho V70a 245/40 R17
Wheels (f) O.Z. Racing HRT alloy 7.5j x 17in
Wheels (r) O.Z. Racing HRT alloy 8.5j x 17in
Performances
Maximum speed 170 mph
0-60 mph 2.8 secs
Vehicle Construction
Vehicle construction Carbon composite, FIA compliant safety structure
Suspension
Suspension (f & r) Twin wishbone, push rod adjustable anti-roll bar
Dampers Sachs Racing
Brakes
Brakes AP Racing, 295 mm ventilated discs, crossed drilled (f & r)
Electronics
Electronics Gems EM40
Gearbox
Gearbox Hewland FTR, 6 speed sequential, LSD semi-auto paddle shift
Price
Total �66,625 + local taxes
Vehicle Options
PAINT
Solid colour:
Robot White, Raptor Grey, Seal Grey
Metallic colour:
Titanium metallic, Gun Metal Grey metallic, Black metallic (only available in combination with matt lower body)
Special colour:
White pearl metallic, Green pearl metallic, Gitane Blue pearl metallic, Red pearl metallic, Yellow pearl metallic, Orange pearl metallic
Individual colour available
MOTORSPORT
Cockpit adjustable brake bias
Race spec brake pads
Rose jointed suspension
Specific Track Gear Sets
Race spec dampers (two ways adjustable)
Master Kill Switches
Harness (5th / 6th points)
Towing Eye(s)
Fire Extinguisher
FIA Approved bag fuel tank
Carbon Body panels pack 1 (Black)
Carbon Body panels pack 2 (Coloured)
CARE
Car jack
Chassis trestles
Remote battery charge socket
Indoor car cover
External waterproof car cover
INDIVIDUAL
Tracker Horizon
Helmet Bluetooth
Profiled Seat
Clothing
BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) Ltd is the British manufacturer of Mono. With a diverse skill set and a proven track record of meeting key objectives within the automotive industry we are committed to offering a service and ownership experience which exceeds expectations. Mono is our passion and we hope we can help you pursue yours.
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