The BAC Mono has just received the most important update since its launch in 2011.
It’s called the Mono R and BAC says it’s all-new, though it looks very much like an evolution of the single-seater supercar. Described as a higher-performance, lighter and more advanced new generation of the iconic Mono, the GEN2 model is 35 hp more powerful and 25 kg (55 lbs) lighter than the standard Mono.
With 340 hp (345 PS) and 555 kg (1,224 lbs), it offers a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 612 hp-per-tonne. Additionally, the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine co-developed with Mountune claims the highest normally aspirated specific output of all time for a road-legal model, at 136 hp per liter.
BAC says all the Mono R’s surfaces have been designed from scratch and 44 bespoke carbon parts have been restyled to give the car “a more aggressive, organic and futuristic stance.” Design highlights include the new shark nose front, centrally mounted LED headlights, a Formula-inspired ram-air inlet system, and a more slender and organic upper body design for enhanced aerodynamics.
Other aero tweaks include the more efficient front arches, wider side pods, as well as the larger and more aero-efficient rear spoiler. Furthermore, all technical surfaces found lower down the Mono R are thinner and more blade-like to divert airflow. It may be hard to spot but the car is 20 mm (0.78 inches) lower and 25 mm (0.98 inches) longer than the standard Mono.
Exterior modifications are rounded off by new LED lights, twin-strut wing mirrors, rear crash box, and a narrower tail with new LED combination fog and reverse lights. Inside the cockpit, the Mono R brings a race-inspired, lighter steering wheel and optional carbon interior side panels.
The weight reduction has been achieved courtesy of the use of graphene-enhanced carbon fiber in every body panel (the first production car to adopt this solution), magnesium chassis and transmission components, new carbon-ceramic brakes, a new titanium exhaust system, lighter AP Racing brake calipers, and an all-new carbon floor.
As for the driving experience, BAC says it has improved it via an optimized suspension geometry and the addition of Öhlins two-way adjustable dampers. In addition, the fuel tank is now placed lower and the battery has been repositioned at the center of the car under the driver to improve balance and lower the center of gravity.
These changes translate into reduced braking distances and weight transfer for sharper turn-in, better rotation at the apex and better traction out of corners — thanks in part to the standard Pirelli Trofeo R tires.
The BAC Mono R’s performance numbers are staggering: 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) takes just 2.5 seconds and the top speed is 170 mph (274 km/h). The price is an eye-watering £190,950 (about $240,100) but you don’t have to worry about that as the entire production run of 30 models has already been sold out.