Thought the single-seat BAC Mono wasn't quite insane enough for you? Well, good news - the Liverpudlian sports car maker will launch its new Mono R at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, and it's packing an even bigger punch than before.
340hp from 2.5-litre engine
BAC has upgraded its Ford-based 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, and it now punches out a frantic 340hp, thanks to modifications from BAC's engine partner Mountune. That's 35hp more than before, and it's delivered at a spine-tingling 8,800rpm. It's mostly down to a ram-air inlet system which provides pressurised air into an all-new throttle body and cylinder head system to further increase power, plus a higher-spec, drive-by-wire motor allows for a quicker throttle response.
BAC claims that, at 136hp per litre, its new engine has the highest specific capacity of ant naturally-aspirated engine inn production.
That's not all, though, as BAC has (somehow) managed to shave 25kg off the Mono's already featherweight mass, and so it now has a power-to-weight ratio of 612hp-per-tonne - not far off Bugatti Chiron territory...
Although the Mono R looks much the same as the standard Mono, BAC has actually changed some 44 of the body panels and carbon parts, giving the car what it calls: "a more aggressive, organic and futuristic stance."
New are main-beam LED headlights that are centrally-mounted, which BAC says is better for both aesthetics and aerodynamics. The 'technical surfaces' on the side of the car, designed to channel air along the bodywork, are also thinner and more 'blade-like.'
It's actually a slightly different shape, overall, than the standard Mono too - 20mm lower, and 25mm longer.
Graphene-enhanced carbon-fibre body
In spite of its apparently minimalist nature, though, the Mono is actually at the cutting edge of technology. It uses graphene-enhanced carbon fibre in every body panel, a world's first use of what is reckoned to be the next 'wonder material' in both motoring and aerospace. BAC has been working on an APC-funded Research & Development project into the production-readiness of graphene. Working alongside Haydale and Pentaxia through the Niche Vehicle Network (NVN), BAC is now launching the advantages into series production.
The Mono R also uses 3D printing for some of its parts, which helps to further reduce weight, and BAC has teamed up with global science corporation DSM to develop high-tech plastic polymers for this process. BAC also saves weight with more traditional methods - magnesium parts, carbon brakes (which save 2.25kg per wheel themselves), and a titanium exhaust.
The suspension has also been refined, working with Swedish brand Ohlins, to reduce front dive and pitch under braking, while the (bigger) fuel tank now sits lower in the car, as does the battery, for better weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity. Grip and traction are both helped by specially-homologated Pirelli Trofeo R tyres for every Mono R.
Thousands of hours of research
Ian Briggs, Design Director at BAC, said: "Today marks a monumental step in the history of Briggs Automotive Company. Not only have we become a multi-product brand for the first time, but we've done so with a truly remarkable feat of engineering, design and innovation in the Mono R. It's the first time since we first laid plans for Mono a decade ago that we've designed something brand new - and that's testament to the success of the business and Mono that we've reached this point. Mono R has been many, many years in the making, with thousands upon thousands of hours of research and work going into it - and we believe we've found the perfect formula for creating the most extreme Mono in the flesh and under the skin.
Neill Briggs, BAC's Director of Product Development, added: "Welcome to Mono R - The New Reference. This car is the ultimate benchmark-setter in terms of design, engineering and performance; that much is evident from the fact we sold out our full run of 30 models almost immediately to our very lucky current customers, who have a real treat in store when they get behind the wheel. It's a result of exceptional teamwork by all of our employees, suppliers and partners and something for everyone associated with BAC to be extremely proud of. Mono R sets The New Reference as the pinnacle of what's possible from a supercar, but also for what's following from BAC in years to come - these are very exciting times indeed."
Just 30 Mono Rs will be built, and it's already sold out...