Few men get to have as much fun as Chris Harris does, as he is constantly beating the hell out of cars and getting paid to do so. So for the most part, we all live vicariously through his videos. In his latest installment, he takes on a car that we haven’t seen too much of here in the states, but is vastly popular, per Harris’ video, in the European market.
This elusive slab of carbon fiber and tubular steel is the BAC Mono. In the terms of a race car, its 280-horsepower 2.3-liter Duratec Ford engine with Cosworth-built pistons and forged rods is paltry. However, when you mate that up to a flat-shifting, paddle-shift, 6-speed trans, and a 540 kg (1,190-pound) chassis and body, you have one mean machine.
This British rocket hits a top speed of 170 mph and sprints to 60 in just 2.8 seconds – not too shabby for a glorified Focus engine, huh? Add in a rain-soaked track with plenty of twists and turns with Chris Harris behind the wheel, and you have a whole lot of BAC Mono tail wagging. Despite all of the oversteer, Harris repeatedly boasts how easy the Mono is to control. This becomes obvious when he doesn’t spin it out even once, despite swinging that tail end out pretty wide at times.
Check out the above video to see for yourself. If you’re able to, crank up the volume too, so you can get a good listen to that high-revving Ford power plant.
In the midst of all the top names in sports car history, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is stepping up to the plate with their new lightweight, ultra high performance, road legal Mono. The BAC Mono is designed and manufactured using the latest racing technology and is battling for top billing amongst vehicles like the Ariel Atom and KTM X-Bow.
The BAC Mono track is a single central-seat featuring an aggressive design. It is constructed from high-strength carbon fiber composite and is powered by a 2.3 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 280 HP. This engine sprints the car to an impressive top speed of 170 mph.
In the official statement, BAC describes their work: "Aimed at drivers who seek a purist driving experience and for whom design, engineering excellence and performance are of paramount importance, Mono is an aggressive design and will set a new benchmark in the small, but elite segment of radical, lightweight sports cars."
For those interested, the Mono is currently on sale for £66,625, or about $107,400 at the current exchange rates, plus local taxes.
UPDATE 12/09/2011: Any fans of the special BAC Mono will be happy to hear that the car will be imported to the US market by Sector111 LLC, California. Only 12 units will be offered at a starting price of $130,000 each.
Hit the jump to read more about the BAC Mono Track Car.
