BAC Mono supercar sets world record

UK-based videogame developer and publisher Codemasters is offering what it claims to be the world's most expensive videogame, the GRID 2 special edition priced at £125,000 ($A196,000).

According to Codemasters and British sports car maker BAC, the GRID 2: Mono Edition sets a new Guinness World Record title for "Most Expensive Video Game Commercially Available -- Special Edition".

The six-figure 'game' includes the new GRID 2 racing videogame, a Playstation 3 console to play it, plus a helmet and race suit to go with one of the fastest road-legal cars ever built, the BAC Mono Supercar.

Built by BAC (Briggs Automotive Company), the Mono is powered by a 2.3-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine built by racing specialist Cosworth.

Said engine generates 209kW/280Nm, enough pepper to accelerate the 540kg carbon-fibre creation to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds, and to 200km/h in 6.7 seconds. The F1-inspired single seat vehicle puts its power to the ground through a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox and slippery diff.

The chassis is cutting-edge stuff: Suspension comprises aerodynamically-shaped double wishbones front and rear backed up by adjustable Sachs Racing dampers. AP Racing brakes and OZ wheels shod with Kumho tyres provide the final connection with the road.

The buyer of the sole GRID 2: Mono Edition also gets a tour of the BAC factory in the UK with a custom fitting to ensure the car matches the driver's size. A six-point harness developed by Willans is installed, and just like an F1 car the steering wheel is removable.

Because it's a special edition vehicle, this particular Mono features a red/white motif emblazoned with GRID 2 livery, and only one of these vehicles will be built.

"BAC is immensely proud and excited at the release of GRID 2: Mono Edition; a game which offers an opportunity for one lucky person to own a truly unique supercar," explained Neill Briggs, Project Director for the BAC Mono.

"Codemasters has developed a stunning game which focuses on delivering the ultimate driving experience and Mono is the ultimate expression of this, in both the real and virtual worlds," he said.

Sequel to the BAFTA-award winning GRID videogame, the new title allows gamers to race a range of different vehicles on city streets, racetracks and open-roads. The hook however is that players start the game as rookie racers, and must manage their rise through the ranks, signing new contracts, joining new teams and basically living the life of a wannabe racer, not unlike the rise of Aussie F1 star Daniel Ricciardo.

The marketing move by Codemasters and BAC is a clever one because many non-gaming media outlets will feature it. And those who can't afford the six figure special edition can still drop $90 on the regular PS3 game and drive the BAC Mono Supercar in it.

GRID 2 will be launched in Australia on May 30, 2013, for around $90 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

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