What's this then?

This is the BAC Mono R, a lighter and more powerful version of the single-seat sports car from Liverpool.

Lighter? More powerful? I thought it was already light and powerful?

Well, it was, but this R version - just 30 of which will be made and they're all sold already - gets more, and less, at the same time. The extra power comes from some tweaks to the Mountune-developed, Ford-based 2.5-litre engine which now has 340hp - BAC claims that's the best power-per-litre you can get from a naturally-aspirated engine. The lower weight (some 25kg has been shaved off) means that it has more than 600hp-per-tonne in terms of its power-to-weight ratio. Hypercar territory.

How can it be lighter?

BAC has made some of the body parts thinner and more 'blade-like' but it's also used incredibly high-tech graphene in the carbon-fibre panels, making them stronger but lighter than before. They've also shifted around the fuel tank and battery for better weight distribution, and had Swedish firm Ohlins develop new, sharper suspension for the car.

Anything else?

Oh yes - how about 3D-printed parts using specially-developed polymers? Carbon brakes? A titanium exhaust? Special Pirelli Trofeo R tyres?

Ian Briggs, Design Director at BAC, said: "Today marks a monumental step in the history of Briggs Automotive Company. Not only have we become a multi-product brand for the first time, but we've done so with a truly remarkable feat of engineering, design and innovation in the Mono R. It's the first time since we first laid plans for Mono a decade ago that we've designed something brand new - and that's testament to the success of the business and Mono that we've reached this point. Mono R has been many, many years in the making, with thousands upon thousands of hours of research and work going into it - and we believe we've found the perfect formula for creating the most extreme Mono in the flesh and under the skin."

Neill Briggs, BAC's Director of Product Development, added: "Welcome to Mono R - The New Reference. This car is the ultimate benchmark-setter in terms of design, engineering and performance; that much is evident from the fact we sold out our full run of 30 models almost immediately to our very lucky current customers, who have a real treat in store when they get behind the wheel. It's a result of exceptional teamwork by all of our employees, suppliers and partners and something for everyone associated with BAC to be extremely proud of. Mono R sets The New Reference as the pinnacle of what's possible from a supercar, but also for what's following from BAC in years to come - these are very exciting times indeed."