The new BAC Mono single-seater makes the Miata look like a heavyweight
Published on Aug 18, 2023 at 8:59 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Aug 21, 2023 at 1:37 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The latest car to be unveiled at Monterey Car Week comes courtesy of Briggs Automotive Company (BAC).
The UK-based company has chosen the special automotive week to present the new BAC Mono.
A road-ready race car, the latest version of the Mono single-seater follows on from the original Mono which made its debut in 2011.
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And it appears the automaker stuck to the same recipe.
Just like the original, the new model remains light, basic, and has developed been with driver engagement fully in mind.
As they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
That being said, the latest BAC Mono features updated styling falling in line with the brand’s new design language.
Not only that, but BAC said it’s fine-tuned every element and every surface to improve the car’s aerodynamic properties.
As for what powers the little pocket rocket, under the food is a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter four-cyclinder engine borrowed from Ford.
BAC hasn’t simply plucked an engine from a Ford and dropped it into the Mono, though.
Their in-house team has redesigned the engine and made several modifications, too.
These include adding forged connecting rods, forged pistons, performance-focused camshafts, and a new induction system with individual throttle bodies.
BAC’s handiwork has resulted in a power output of 311 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the Mono from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in 2.7 seconds.
The engine spins the rear wheels via a racing-derived six-speed sequential transmission that offers configurable gear ratios.
But you’ve also got to bear in mind how much this thing weighs.
Checking in at 1,257 pounds (570 kg), the BAC Mono weighs approximately 1,143 pounds (518 kg) less than the current-gen Miata.
In other words, it makes the Miata look like a heavyweight.
Not only has BAC’s engineers tinkered with the engine, they’ve tuned the suspension system to deliver 50 percent less dive on the front end, and 50 percent less squat on the rear end.
This was done for one simple reason – for better handling overall.
Speaking of handling, there’s several tire choices on the Mono’s option list, including all-important slicks.
As for production and availability, BAC’s already started building the new Mono at its factory in Liverpool, England, and will deliver the first examples to customers imminently.
The brand has stressed its plans to grow globally, with the new BAC Mono being the nucleus of its core product offering, although it hasn’t mentioned whether it’ll be available to the American market.
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Adam Gray is an experienced freelance motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for a variety of lifestyle and business publications. Here at Supercar Blondie, Adam applies his journalistic skills penning social-first content around current news and trends. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car or writing up another viral story, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or at the Riverside Stadium supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
