A Closer Look Into The New BAC Mono
So we’ve already covered the first bits here on the new BAC Mono but we went to Liverpool once again to go more into detail about the new chapter for BAC
The new BAC Mono had 2 primary objectives to fulfill. Firstly, be faster than the previous car (obviously). But secondly, it also has to comply with the new regulations that have come in over the years. The original Mono was launched in 2011 and in 2015 the engine was replaced from a Cosworth 2.3L to a Mountune 2.5L. It was still fast as hell (even beating a Senna) but there’s always room for improvement.
For the technical rundown, please read up on our launch article here.
Refined looks
At first sight, it’s quite clear that the Mono R was the study car for the new BAC Mono. It borrows heavily on looks from the R and uses the same graphene-enhanced carbon-fiber to lose weight. Yet, while you stare at it longer, and while senior designer Guy Harvey is pointing out the differences, the changes become ever clear. There have been many changes to the car and all of them have a technical benefit to add. Yet, the designers have made these enchantments aesthetically appealing too. Exactly where BAC excels in: balancing form and function.
One of those parts is the rear diffusor, fetish-worthy for carbon freaks, it had us lying on our tummies while Guy and Ian Briggs explained how this part has improved. No longer are the vertical fins bolt-ons, the diffuser is now a 3 part carbon piece that fits together like a gem. Less drag, less weight, more awesomeness. The same goes for the torsion bars, the new exhaust cover, the rear light units,…
Shedding weight 2.0
Having an obsession with losing weight doesn’t have to be pathological, in fact, it can result in great things when it comes to engineering. BAC has shredded 1.28 kilograms per wheel of the new Mono by going full 21st century on them. A relatively new computer-aided technology calculates the optimal weight and strength ratio for a wheel, and people like Guy make them look good. Is the latter really necessary you ask? Be the judge for yourself: below you see a 3D printed miniature version held next to the aesthetically pleasing version.
Turbo era
One of the biggest changes, if not the biggest, is the turbocharger that now force-feeds the new inline-4. Only visible when peering through the opening on the right side of the car, this bit of hardware will undoubtedly create a new character to the car. As the power jump is mostly in the torque range, we couldn’t resist asking if the engine couldn’t be pushed further. Simple and short: the engine could theoretically go up to 420hp, but the Formula 3 transmission wouldn’t be able to cope. So no, not yet.
We could write a thousand words about the new BAC Mono but it still wouldn’t be enough to describe the evolution of the car. We could show you a thousand pictures or hours of video and it would still not do the progress justice. The only way you could do justice to this car is by buying it.
Don’t have the money to buy a Mono? Then you can support these guys during the COVID-19 crisis by buying their new merch. *Disclaimer: Beau wanted to model way too badly…
This article is a combined effort by Beau and Ward, who had the opportunity to see the car just days before everything went into lockdown.
