A fledgling British-based sports car maker has announced a lightweight, single-seat road racer designed to rival models from Ariel and Caterham.
The Briggs Automotive Company's new car, called the Mono, is powered by a Cosworth-sourced, 2.3-liter engine producing 280hp at 7,700rpm and 207lb-ft of torque at 6,000rpm. The power is transferred to the road through the rear wheels via a Formula 3-spec 6-speed sequential gearbox.
Weight has been kept down to 1,190lbs, providing an impressive power-to-weight ratio that translates to a 0-60mph sprint time of just 2.8sec and a top speed of 170mph, according to Briggs.
For use on track or road, the car features fully adjustable push-rod suspension and 11.6in. ventilated brake discs.
Director Neil Briggs – former engineering manager of the Mk1 Ford Focus RS – told Autocar he is aiming to produce 50 units this year, and 100-200 cars per year thereafter.
While the car is currently only available in the UK, “Export is on our radar,” Briggs said. “We're working on selling to overseas markets, hopefully toward the end of 2012.” Emissions regulations require revisions to the current engine for it to be sold outside the UK.
Prices start from £79,950 ($130,500), and Briggs says that the car will offer buyers “an alternative purchase decision” to the more familiar rivals. “We've already had Ariel Atom customers approach us about the Mono and the interest has been huge,” says Briggs.
Alex Kersten/Autocar