While most of us are familiar with car brands
like Ford and Toyota, smaller companies usually don't get much attention. For example, you may have only heard about the BAC Mono because it's one of Gordon Ramsay's cars. First debuted in 2011, it's a pricey single-seater that can hit 60 mph faster than a high-performance Tesla. According to Briggs Automotive Company (BAC
), the Mono has been updated with even more power. How does the new Mono compare to the original release, and what makes it so special? Jerry
has all the details. All about the new BAC Mono
The original BAC Mono was powered by a Ford Duratec engine modified to make between 280-285 horsepower. It looks merely decent on paper, but remember that the first Mono only weighs 1,190 pounds.
That allows it to get a top speed of 170 mph. Its official 0-62 mph time is 2.8 seconds.
The BAC Mono is primarily constructed of carbon fiber, with a steel seating area for the driver. A six-point racing harness keeps the driver in place, though the Mono doesn't have any protective windshield. The unique steering wheel has its own storage compartment, which can also hold a helmet.
In 2015, a new 305-horsepower engine from Mountune replaced the original offering. This company tunes engines inside Ford, Audi, and Subaru models for British motorsports. The added heft gave the Mono a slightly better power-to-weight ratio, and the expanded chassis meant more room for the driver.
The latest BAC Mono has a new Mountune 2.3-liter engine, which makes around 332 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed remains the same, but it's now .1 seconds quicker.
Even more impressive, BAC basically redesigned the whole vehicle while still retaining the iconic look. It has a new shark-like nose, a tapered tail, and LED lights like the Mono R performance variant. It also now has a lower center of gravity for even better handling.
The Mono definitely appears to be following in the Mono R's footsteps. Released in 2019, it weighs 55 pounds less than the standard model and makes 343 horsepower.
What do critics say about the BAC Mono?
Autotrader
says that driving the BAC Mono is actually more satisfying compared to other luxury sports cars. You can really feel the speed inside the open-air cabin, and driving it is "a thrill unlike any other".The BAC Mono, with its 2.5-second 0-60 mph time, is predictably an even bigger hit. This tiny supercar can even beat an exotic Ferrari LaFerrari on the racetrack.
The BAC Mono vs its rivals
The Ariel Atom 4 shares the same acceleration time as the Mono, but its outward appearance isn't as modern. When tested, it also fell short of its advertised acceleration time by almost half a second.
The Ariel Nomad can have an additional passenger and has more SUV-like handling, but it can't keep up with the Mono. The BAC Mono may have the highest asking price (about $211,000) but the driving experience apparently can't be beaten.
MORE: The Best Convertible Supercars: A Ride Unlike Any Other
Where can I find auto insurance for single-seat roadsters?
Like any other street-legal car, you need to have insurance to legally operate the BAC Mono on public roads. Since the BAC Mono lacks a lot of the safety equipment in other cars, you'll probably want more accident coverage.
Even if you know exactly what kind of coverage you need, it can be hard to find the right insurance carrier. With the Jerry
app, you can find the best Mono insurance rates without spending hours on research. Jerry generates more than 50 of the best quotes available, often within a minute or less! 
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