A Kumho shod single-seater has demonstrated how grip and handling can outweigh brute power by setting the second fastest time ever around the famed Top Gear track in England.

The 540kg BAC Mono put cars like the Lambhorghini Avendator and McLaren MP4-12C to shame completing the 2.8 kilometre lap in 1min14.3secs - beaten only by the twice as powerful Pagani Huayra, which was just 5 tenths of a second faster.

Powered by a naturally aspirated Cosworth 2.8 litre four cylinder engine the Mono boasts peak power of 205kW and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Kumho's street legal V700 (V70A) competition tyre has been selected as original equipment and is the ideal compliment to the Mono's adjustable double wishbone suspension to ensure optimum contact with the track is maintained.

According to Kumho Tyre Australia, national training and marking manager, David Basha, the BAC Mono's outstanding result reinforces the relationship between handling and speed.

"Power means nothing if you can't get it to the ground," said David Basha.

"The BAC Mono is a light and nimble car and it's able to carry more speed through turns than some of the most powerful supercars in the world because of its handling capabilities.

"The V70A is designed to handle high speed cornering and provide traction for the best drive out of slow corners, which is why it is a perfect match for the Mono."

The V70A, is a favoured choice of motor sport competitors, and is available in sizes from 13 to 18 inch with four compounds - super soft, soft, medium and hard.

The V70A is also original equipment on Mini's fastest production car - the John Cooper Works GP.

Kumho's motor sport development plays an important role in research and development for everyday passenger vehicles.

"The advancements Kumho makes on the track filter through to our everyday passenger car tyres," added David.

"It's the everyday motorist that's the real winner from Kumho's motor sport involvement."
Since its inception in 1960, Kumho Tyres has been a model of steady growth amid dramatic changes of business landscape. Driven by innovation in management and technical development Kumho has become one of the top ten tyre companies in the world.

Over the past half-century Kumho Tyres has built the foundation for a sustainable company, which has thrived through a full range of business environments.

Kumho has succeeded in the development of superior tyres for all vehicles including high performance, passenger, sports utility and recreational vehicles, as well as light trucks, heavy truck and buses, industrial, agricultural, mining and construction vehicles as well as aircraft.

Kumho produces more than 68 million tyres annually with a massive research and development program which comprises more than 600 research personnel and 300 testing machines at proving grounds in South Korea, China, Europe and North America, Kumho leads the world with the latest in tyre technology, safety and performance. In Australia Kumho markets an extensive range of tyres for cars, 4WD's, light commercials, trucks and buses with a network centred around five state locations with the ability to distribute tyres to retailers across all areas of Australia.

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