The new BAC Mono R is even lighter and stronger

2 011 The exclusive circle of ultra-light street athletes - namely Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow, Radical SR3 SL and a few other models - got competition from a newcomer: The Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), founded just two years earlier, brought its first with the Mono and so far the only model on the market. To date, the small manufacturer from Liverpool has sold a good 100 copies, which it celebrated in April with a special series.

Impressive power to weight ratio

Now, eight years later, it is making its debut at the Festival of Speed in Goodwood the successor, which receives an R as an addition to the name. A very simple identification mark, after all, the single-seater succeeds in something that was not thought possible: It achieves an even better power-to-weight ratio than the first BAC Mono. With this, each horsepower still had to set 1.9 kilograms in motion; the BAC Mono R only weighs around 1.6 kilograms. For comparison: the current Porsche 911 GT2 RS offers a power-to-weight ratio of 2.1 kg /hp. Although Porsche gives a DIN curb weight and BAC only the dry weight, the comparison makes it clear to which elitist group the radical Briton is classified.

Briggs Automotive Company

345 HP and 555 kilograms result in a power-to-weight ratio of 1.6 kg /HP.

Part of the responsibility for the improved power-to-weight ratio is the stronger engine. Together with the engine experts from Mountune, BAC succeeded in increasing the output of the Cosworth inline four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine by 33 to 345 hp. BAC and Mountune have not only increased the cylinder bore and reduced the stroke at the same time, but have also given the engine a new intake system and throttle valve housing as well as an optimized cylinder head. The fact that the four-cylinder is a real high-tech engine is made clear by the liter output of 138 hp - aEnormous value for a naturally aspirated engine, according to the BAC even a world record.

Carbon fiber with modified carbon

Little weight improves driving performance: It is a simple truth that the Briggs Automotive Company consistently takes to heart. The BAC Mono R is correspondingly fast: it accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96.6 km /h) in 2.5 seconds. It reaches its top speed at 240 km /h.

The consistent lightweight construction also contributes to the famous lightweight construction. The BAC Mono R weighs only 555 kilograms empty and dry. This is primarily due to the body, which is largely made of carbon fiber with modified carbon (experts call the material “graph”). The parts manufactured in the 3D printer should not only be lighter, but also more stable than standard carbon. In addition, there are chassis components made of magnesium, an AP racing brake system made of carbon-ceramic composite material and a titanium exhaust system.

Fine-tuning of design and driving dynamics

But that's not all of the fine-tuning. BAC has optimized the chassis geometry of the Mono R, which in cooperation with the two-way adjustable Öhlins dampers is intended to minimize body movements. The tank is now deeper into the vehicle than before, and the battery is now in the center of the car, directly under the driver's seat. Both lower the center of gravity. BAC equips every Mono R with Pirelli Trofeo R tires as standard.

The BAC Mono R retains the design based on a monoposto racing car; the single-seater is still very radical and frank. The body consists of 44 individual parts and is not only 20 millimeters flatter, but also 25 millimeters shorter than before. The LED high-beam headlights, which are housed centrally in the shark's nose, are particularly striking. Larger spoilers - especially at the rear - are said to have further improved the aerodynamics.

The 30 copies are already sold out

Inside, the BAC Mono R is as reduced as its predecessor. The new, even lighter steering wheel is intended to involve the driver better than before and offers extensive adjustment options. Basically, customers can let off steam here and have the cockpit designed according to their taste - for example with side panels made of carbon.

But there is also a bitter truth in connection with the BAC Mono R: The only 30 planned copies have long been sold out. Regular BAC customers around the world have already snatched the cars, which cost at least 190,950 pounds (just under 213,000 euros), under the nail. The first customers will be delighted with their extreme sports cars from the fourth quarter.