I recently had the pleasure of attending the Volkswagen Racing Cup 2011 at Donnington Park, which was an absolutely great day out (article to follow shortly). Whilst there, I heard a rumour that a unique car would be on display. The vehicle in question was the BAC Mono. Just before the lunchtime break, I turned back toward the VW paddock and right before my eyes was this British engineering marvel.
Design
“I dreamed about creating a road car with the same level of intuitive direct control as a Formula racing car. A car that could be seen in the pits at a race track or on a British country lane and looked like the future. I wanted it to be high tech and totally fresh in its approach, a car for people who want to feel a connection with their car and be really involved in the character of how it drives. It had to be something they were consistently excited by and would experience pride in owning. In short, Mono is a totally immersive experience, from start to finish.”
Ian Briggs – Design Director, BAC
The statement above from Ian Briggs gives a flavour of what to expect from this car, however it still doesn’t do justice to seeing the thing in the metal. For a moment, it took me immediately back to my youth, away from the cynical adult existence we all find ourselves in, worrying about money, health etc and back to the moment when I was around eight years old with a massive poster of a Lamborghini Countach (in red of course) on my wall. My jaw had literally dropped at the sight of this unique car.
I naturally had to get a closer look. I was struck by the single seat, the angular dimensions and the singularity of purpose that the Mono represents. It isn’t just a car, it has the appearance of being ‘The Car’ if such a thing could ever exist. I literally took in every facet of the vehicle and was impressed at how extremely well engineered it looked.
Here’s some further information from BAC on what makes the Mono just so special:
Aerodynamics
Mono has been optimised and developed using CFD in conjunction with the University of Stuttgart’s FKFS department, a world leading automotive research centre. Designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible, the benefits are twofold. Mono offers supercar levels of top speed, whilst also delivering handling precision and balanced stability that complements the outstanding levels of mechanical grip on offer.
Electronics and Instrumentation
Leading developer of engine management and display systems GEMS provided the ECU, GCU and steering wheel display. Everything the drivers needs is located on the bespoke BAC designed steering wheel. There are no buttons elsewhere – the unique touch-sensitive engine start button, gear change and instrumentation are all accessed via the removable wheel, and like an F1 car allows complete control from the central driving position. You can also use it to switch between road and race modes. The totally bespoke design has produced something special which leaves a lovely clean cockpit free of clutter, and stands out from its rivals in terms of quality and ease of use.
Vehicle dynamics
Perfecting Mono’s weight optimisation was fundamental to BAC’s vision of Mono. Every aspect was analyzed – maximising all component functionality in terms of performance and weight through CAD and CAE refinements, optimising weight distribution between front and rear, attaining the lowest possible centre of gravity. Furthermore the suspension settings are fully adjustable, allowing the driver to fine tune vehicle setup. With up to 100mm of total suspension travel Mono offers exceptional compliance without compromising handling precision, making it ideal for B roads or absorbing the impact of race track kerbs. Careful efforts have been made to reduce the unsprung mass and the use of specially developed rubber bushes, ball joints and needle roller bearings have helped to keep parasitic and frictional losses to a minimum.
Safety
A primary concern where nothing has been left to chance. Constructed using high-strength carbon fibre composite around a steel safety cell, Mono meets FIA Formula One regulations for rollover protection (ROPS) and is fully legal for road use. In addition to a sophisticated side impact structure, the carbon fibre energy-absorbing crash box doubles as a helmet storage space. Mono also complies with mandatory road clearance and driver visibility guidelines. Adjustable seat, pedal and steering wheel position allow for optimum driver comfort.
The Mono runs with a 2.3 litre normally aspirated 4 cylinder engine (so it should be totally solid), offering 280 bhp near to the top of the rev range and 280 Nm of torque. 0-60 is topped in around 2.8 seconds. Cosworth have been involved and other parts are bespoke from the likes of AP Racing, Williams, Kumho and more.
Perhaps the best part of seeing the BAC Mono on that fortunate day was seeing it being driven a few hundred metres. I’ve no idea who the driver was but he slipped into the cockpit and blipped the throttle. The noise was outstanding! What a roar, even from low down. I think I’ve found the car I simply must drive before I die. Now, where did I leave my spare £87,500?
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