“Weight is the adversary of performance” is a phrase we’ve said this in this space before, and the second-generation BAC Mono had that exact phrase in mind when it was being conceived, we assume. Some have described it as being more akin to a superbike than a sports car.
In terms of design, the new Mono looks just like the car it replaces, however, to the keen observer there are subtle differences scattered throughout the car such as the new LED lights, twin-strut wing mirrors, rear crash box and a narrower tail incorporating a new LED fog lamp and reverse lights to complete the new look.
The company says “all surfaces are designed from scratch to reduce visual mass across the body and achieve a more organic, lighter aesthetic. This is epitomised by the imposing shark nose, which successfully reduces frontal area and improves aerodynamics.” Inside the cockpit, there’s a new lighter carbon steering wheel and optional carbon side panels.
Powering this featherweight is a dry-sump 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s developed by Mountune which develops 248kW and 400Nm and is similar to the mill found in an Ecoboost Mustang. However, the company hasn’t detailed the changes it has made to the driveline, gearbox and chassis. That said, the new Mono will rocket to 97km/h in just 2.7 seconds and eventually top out at 274km/h – in a car without a windscreen and roof. Madness.
The suspension has also been tweaked to reduce pitch under braking, with increased anti-dive at the front and anti-squat at the rear maximising traction, while two-way adjustable dampers from Swedish experts Öhlins are also present. The new BAC Mono also gets specially homologated Pirelli Trofeo R tyres as standard.
The British firm also made changes to the new car to meet stringent European emissions standards (EU6D) along with drive-by-noise regulations. But in order to meet those regulations, the Liverpool-based company had to put on more weight, and at the same time learn how to get rid of some of it.
The solution was to 3D print over 40 components, use lighter wheels, lighter AP Racing brake calipers and a new carbon floor carried over from the Mono R. The optional carbon ceramic brakes shave off an additional 2.55kg of unsprung mass. The result is a car that weighs in at 570kg – 10kg less than the previous model.
“When it came to designing the new-generation BAC Mono, we didn’t just want to set a precedent for the evolution of Mono – we wanted to set a totally new bar for supercar design. The flowing, functional shape that’s full of undeniable Mono DNA is lighter-looking, more simplistic and cleaner than ever before, with a reduced frontal area and thinner surfaces throughout. Making the second Mono was always going to be a challenge – much like the ever-anticipated second album of an artist – but we’re confident the stunning look, innovation and driving experience of the new BAC Mono will more than meet the demands and expectations” said Ian Briggs, Design Director at BAC.
The new Mono was revealed at the BAC headquarters in Liverpool, England and is said to enter production in mid-2021. Prices for the new Mono start from £165,950 or $329,146 Australian dollars. In the meantime, do admire the gallery below.
For more information on the BAC Mono and for the best deal on your next brand-new car, please visit our Showroom.
