Category: Sports & Toys

Dream Car: Bac Mono R

Everyone has a dream car they envision purchasing when they win the lottery, get a big promotion or become famous, and The Bac Mono R is that car.

While Liverpool, England is not a place commonly associated with performance sports cars, it is home to the Briggs Automotive Company, which was founded only ten years ago in 2009. Briggs put themselves firmly on the map in 2011, when they released the single seater Bac Mono. Recently at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, they introduced the new Mono R version causing a frenzy of delight.

The Mono R is referred to as a “Gen2” car taking over where its predecessor left off. The Mono R is a uniquely designed, sexy and sleek race car legal for road use, but the lack of a back seat means you will not be able to drop your kids off for school in it. But that’s not why you buy one.

The BAC Mono R isn’t for everyone, literally. There were only thirty cars made and the price tag is speculated at around $156,000 US dollars. However, being able to afford the mono will not be your greatest challenge. All thirty cars were sold prior to public release to private sellers who owned the previous model. A high price tag, limited edition and sexy design aren’t all that makes this car swoon-worthy. Under the carbon fiber case sits a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (co-developed with Mountune), which produces 340bhp. In laymen’s terms, it goes pretty darn fast.

Another tweak made to the BAC Mono R is increased cylinder bore size and reduced crankshaft stroke, which earned it the title of the ‘world’s most power dense naturally aspirated, road-legal engine’. When you combine all the incredible advancements with the knowledge that the car only weighs about 1,000 pounds (just over half a tonne) and about 55pounds less than its predecessor, you quickly realize this car is a mini rocket. The car can go from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 170mph.

Naturally, the interior is customizable and carbon side panels are an option. James Bond needs one of these in his upcoming film “Shatterhand.” Here’s hoping one of the thirty new owners will provide him a loaner to save the British Empire.

Ford is unveiling a new power car in bringing back the Mustang Shelby GT500. With over 700 horse power there is no doubt this cobra can uncoil and burn up the quarter mile. This is Ford’s most powerful street legal car in its history. Official numbers are not in but estimates put it at under 11 seconds for the quarter mile with a 0-60 acceleration around 3.5 seconds!

For those looking for a kick, this power comes from a 5.2 liter supercharged V8. The GT500 has some record setting features to handle that engine. The louver hood is the biggest Ford has made in order to manage all the air needed for cooling. It starts with a front opening for airflow that is roughly double the size of the GT350. Using a 600-watt electric fan and half a dozen radiators, each of the quad exhaust pipes measure an ample 5 inches across.

To handle slowing down from the extreme speeds this beast is capable of, the 16.5 inch rotors up front and 14.5 inch rotors in the back are the biggest brakes fitted to an American coupe. An interesting decision was made to not make a standard (stick shift) option. While the purist might not appreciate the lack of manual transition, the 7 speed dual clutch transmission “will perform far faster than even the best race car driver could” says Jim Owens, Mustang’s marketing manager.

For ultimate performance, especially on the track, the Carbon Fibre Track Package adds a big rear wing and 20 inch Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires which lowers the un-sprung weight by around 60 pounds. This helps generate up to 550 pounds of downforce for an incredible feeling of stability at higher speeds. It is an amazing feat that this car is available and street legal. The top speed is regulated at 180 miles per hour, lower than some of the competition but the acceleration and handling mean this car can beat out many that claim a top speed or 190 or 200.

Dior Homme x Bogarde BMX Bike

Who says off road or trick bicycles cannot be fancy and luxurious? For anyone doubting, take a look at these remarkable rides.

The third edition of this stylish and unique collaboration between the French luxury goods company Dior and France’s famous BMX specialist Bogarde is finally here. The partnership started in 2017 to the surprise and subsequent delight of many. The original was a red and black, chrome tinted BMX bike with only 70 units available. Kris Van Assche had been known to explore unusual territory in his fashion forays during his lengthy tenure as Dior Homme’s artistic director and continued to do so with aplomb.

The second edition stunned in a version that glittered with a shiny gold metal finish and calfskin detailing. Like the first model, it was in the style of the classic 80’s BMX bike and had the Dior logo and Bee appear on the frame, subtle and classy. The golden bike was limited to 100 units and priced at $5,425 USD.

British designer Kim Jones took over the role of creative director for Dior Homme, now called Dior Men, in 2018. He was behind the third installment of the beautiful bicycles and did not disappoint. This version features a pearlized metal finish with a white saddle and silver logo. This bike has a very clean and distinct look, perfect for the immaculate type. This edition came out with 150 bikes as demand for previous editions was much greater than their ultra limited and exclusive production. Be sure to get on that list ASAP whether as a collector of fine sporty toys or as someone who appreciates taking ‘riding in style’ to the next level.

The Advantages of Owning a Tesla

Innovation drives the progress towards a better future and with a Tesla one can drive that innovation for a sublime experience.  Every feature is designed to enhance the simplicity and purity of the driving experience.  Keyless entry and ignition is just the beginning, tap the brakes to ‘wake up’ the car and be ready to drive. Put the car in park and the car automatically turns off.  Close the doors and walk away and it automatically locks. 

Not impressed?  They have retractable door handles make the car sleeker and more aerodynamic.  In the Model S, air suspension allows the car to automatically lower suspension on the highway for greater efficiency and raise up again when exiting the highway.  Pure genius.

Many question the range and charging of electric vehicles but Tesla has answered all these easily.  All charging stations show up in the navigation system and light up when in range.  As more stations are added the map gets updated automatically.  With updates to the range with each new version, Tesla continues to push the boundaries making it exceedingly rare that anyone but the most intrepid road tripper would be constrained by the fact that the car needs to be charged. The Model S 100D is rated as being able to drive 514 miles at 45 mph on a single charge!

Another crucial attribute is that Tesla has been consistently rated one of the safest brands of car to drive.  While the acceleration is way above the industry standard, so is safety.  A feature called Traction Control allows for extra grip and feel for winding roads or rainy conditions.  

Participate in the acceleration of the future.  Electric is on the way to becoming the standard, perhaps sooner than later, but now is the best time to join the bandwagon.  No longer in its infancy the product is fantastic but still rare enough to stand out and be a pioneer, doing what can be done to reduce emissions and positively influence other people.  

In England exists one of the most storied and persistent rivalries of all time.  Spanning sports, academics, politics and more, these two Universities have been competing for over 800 years! Oxford was first founded in the 11th century and in 1209 following a mysterious murder and unproven guilty verdict, several scholars left to start their own university, Cambridge.  

As an outsider wanting to remain neutral one can use the moniker Oxbridge to refer to both but any student or alumni would never dare relinquish their school pride so.  As two of the perennially top ranked universities in the world there are many domains where each can claim top honors. Oxford has produced 27 Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom while Cambridge is responsible for 14. On the other hand, Cambridge can claim the world record of Nobel Prize winners at 89 while Oxford has 48.  

As impressive as those numbers are the true heart and soul of the rivalry are in sports.  The Annual Cricket Match is as fierce as it gets and Cambridge holds a slight edge 60-57 over Oxford with 56 draws.  Drawing even more fans, cheers and outside spectators is The Boat Race.

Approximately 250,000 people attend the event and tens of millions tune in to watch.  Set on the Thames River between the two schools, the 4.2 mile race takes place on boats with 8 rowers each.  Most of the races are highly competitive with only a few standout defeats.  In 2003 Oxford edged Cambridge by a mere 12 inches.  In a rare controversy in 2012 a protester swam in front of the boats which were forced to stop or risk gravely injuring the man.  Shortly after restarting there was a collision between the boats causing one of Oxford’s oars to snap, essentially eliminating their chance for victory.  Despite this the rivalry continued strongly with Cambridge currently holding a slight edge 83-80.  

Historically Oxbridge has produced some of the finest minds in literature, science and politics.  Both can claim subjectively to be the best by referencing their alumni: Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Francis Bacon and John Cleese coming out of Cambridge, Oxford claiming J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Stephen Hawking and Oscar Wilde.  

May the rivalry live on!

With the holidays gone and the new year started, the timing is perfect for a ski vacation and Europe has a lot of incredible options.  The views at the iconic Zermatt are hard to beat and there are slopes for all levels of skiers.  The dry climate however can make some rocky trails impossible to ski and the location of town means hardly any sun gets through.  Those planning to be on the mountain all day will not have a problem so checking out Zermatt is a must.  There are several hotels on the summit such as Silvana Hotel on Furi allowing for ski-in ski-out, the ultimate skiers experience. With a ski room, indoor swimming pool and great food what else could a skier ask for?

Perhaps the best skiing found in Europe though is in Courchevel which has considerable routes and slopes for all levels of skiers in the Les 3 Vallées. The consistent snow and excellent weather is a boon whether sticking to the open runs or forested areas.  There are 600 km of runs, 66km of cross country skiing and 18km of snowshoe routes.  

Après-ski in Courchevel is at the top of the game with exquisite culinary options and a multitude of Michelin stars in the village.  Le 1947 for example, has two Michelin stars and is run by famous French chef Yannick Alléno of Paris’ renowned Ladurée Champs Elysées restaurant.  

5 star hotels and luxury chalets abound in Courchevel 1850 (the highest altitude village of the 4 Courchevels).  The Grandes Alpes hotel has ski-in ski-out, butlers, private chefs and a renowned Bellefontaine Spa featuring anti-ageing through unparalleled luxury, natural and precious ingredients from the Alps. The sauna, steam bath, swimming pool and rain showers are sure to do the trick for any looking to relax. 

March is one of the best months to ski to take advantage of the weather and relatively slower season as February brings big crowds of families due to school holidays.  Do not let the season go by without taking the opportunity to ski some of the best mountains and runs in the world!  

Audi’s foray into the electric automobile market is a complete success.  The quality control and attention to detail that Audi has become known for highlights the biggest difference between the E-Tron and other electric SUV competitors.  The E-Tron is an Audi first and an electric car second.

This makes it the ideal transition to an electric car in terms of handling and style, weight and power.  It rides with extreme comfort and an incredible silence thanks to the acoustically insulating windshield and side glass as well as extensive underbody insulation.  The customary whiny sound of an electric vehicle is thankfully not heard as Audi made sure to eliminate this by encasing the motors in polyurethane boxes which are mounted to the subframes through rubber bushings.

With sufficient power ranging from 350-400 horse power depending on the mode (drive vs sport), the ride is smooth even upwards of 90 mph when driven on appropriate roads for this speed limit.  The high tech regenerative electrohydraulic assisted braking is able to amply recharge without feeling the typical drag or ‘pull’ of previous hybrid or electric cars from other brands. 

The E-Tron gets approximately 250 miles or 400 kilometers per charge and while the home charging is around 8 hours, at the 150kW charging stations that are becoming more popular a 30 minute charge will provide up to an 80% charge.  

Perhaps the coolest feature is the world first use of two high definition cameras instead of side mirrors on the doors.  They will project onto OLED screens inside the door for a clearer view.  These improve the aerodynamics and reduce the width of the already sleek design by 15cm.

For the tech savvy, Audi’s E-Tron can connect with Alexa to preheat the car from home or ask how much charge is left. This feature is a two-way street, able to turn on lights or set specific music to play at home while in the car.