Watch BAC’s crazy Mono sports car get sideways on a frozen Swedish lake

By Stephen Edelstein March 17, 2017

The BAC Mono is not an ideal winter car. Lacking a roof and doors, it doesn’t so much protect you from the elements as assault you with them. But that didn’t stop a group of hardy souls from taking this eccentric British sports car to a very unlikely place.

BAC is the latest automaker to follow the growing trend of winter driving experiences. It recently took a group of customers and three of its cars to Sweden for some freezing-cold sideways fun on ice. Remarkably, none of those customers were turned into human popsicles during the day of sliding around on a frozen lake.

The BAC crew descended upon the Swedish town of Åre, which is primarily known for ski resorts. In addition to showing off the capabilities of the Mono and giving owners an extreme lesson in drifting, the company set up this unusual event to create a closer relationship customers based on a memorable experience. Drifting one of these flyweight cars on ice certainly qualifies.

For those who aren’t familiar, the Mono is the brainchild of brothers Ian and Neil Briggs (BAC is short for Briggs Automotive Company). The current version is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 305 horsepower. That engine is charged with propelling just 1,300 pounds of car (minimalist bodywork has its advantages). On dry pavement, BAC claims the Mono will do 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, approaching the quickness of some supercars.

While the Mono has gotten plenty of exposure, including a positive Top Gear review, it remains a niche product. BAC only builds two cars per month at its tiny factory, and it’s not like the market for single-seater track cars is set to explode. But BAC does have bigger plans, including a hybrid supercar to rival the likes of the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918 Spyder.

What will that thing be like to drive on ice?

Editors' Recommendations

Watch the Galaxy S22 Ultra survive getting run over by a car

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.