High-performance models like the BAC Mono are the epitome of minimalism in mid-engine cars. YouTube channel, AutoTopNL, known for its Autobahn reviews and top-speed runs, recently got a chance to feature one of these exclusive, lightweight, sports cars and put it through its paces on public roads. We assume the test driver is wearing a helmet since the BAC Mono doesn’t have a front windshield aside from the small wind deflector, which hardly redirects flies away from the driver’s face. At the same time, it’s capable of savage acceleration and getting up to great speeds, as the video below clearly shows. But what exactly is it that makes the Mono the savage, yet precise, speed machine that it is?
Formula One Experience For The Road
The BAC Mono is as close as a road-going car could get to Formula One car without actually being one. The detachable F1-style steering wheel certainly adds to the motorsport vibe. The Mono’s body is comprised of 44 graphene-enhanced, carbon composite body panels. There are a lot of exposed mechanicals, including the six-speed, sequential transmission and part of the engine. Speaking of engine, this particular example is post-2015, which means a bigger 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-four engine. The Ford-derived unit has been tweaked by Mountune Performance and makes 305 horsepower (227 kilowatts) and 227 pound-feet (308 Nm).
The BAC Mono is also a single-seater, so if you want to take an extra person and scare the soul out of him, the Ariel Atom would be more appropriate. Regardless, the British, ultra-light sports car still makes sure its only passenger feels as comfortable as possible while nested in the central driving position. The driver is flanked by Alcantara inserts on both sides, making the otherwise spartan one-seater that much cozier. At the end of the day, the Mono was built for speed and corner-carving. With just 1,279 pounds (580 kg) to lug around, the Mono boasts a 525-horsepower-per-ton power-to-weight ratio and a weight distribution of 48/52 between the front and rear axle. The only way to get a more radical driving experience is to go for the even lighter and more powerful BAC Mono R.
Achieving A Lot With Little
The BAC Mono is a perfect example of the “less is more” philosophy. Taking into account the aforementioned figures, it is no surprise that the mid-engine single-seater is the quickest rear-wheel-drive car to 60 mph (97 km/h), taking just 2.7 seconds for the discipline. Normally, the top speed would be 171 mph (275 km/h), but the example shown here is geared for the more technical, Silverstone racetrack. This means better acceleration at the expense of top speed, which as seen in the video, is still no joke in something as light and as eager to change direction as the BAC Mono.