Audace Z Sports Coupé

[Lochinver]

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Audace Z

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Class

Sports car, super car

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Body Style

2-Door coupé

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Engine

5.2 L (317.32 cu in) V10
513 hp (382 kW)

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Layout

Front-mid-engine
Rear mid-transaxle
Rear-wheel drive

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Transmission

6-speed Semi-Automatic

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Wheel Base

2,645 mm (104.13 in)

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Length

4,505 mm (177.36 in)

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Width

1,998 mm (78.7 in)

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Height

1,897 mm (74.69 in)

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Curb Weight

1,280 kg (2,821.9 lb)

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Standard Cost

$400,000 (£257,450)

The Audace Z is a concept car and production 2-seat sports coupé designed and manufactured by Briggsmore Auto Group. Designed as a direct competitor to the more established V6 and V10 sports cars, such as the Porsche 911 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audace Z is outfitted with a front-mid engine, turbocharged V10 engine, producing a maximum of 513 hp and acceleration from 0-100 km/h of 3.9 seconds. First sold within Lochinver in first quarter 2012, the Audace Z was in development since early 2004. The mission objectives of the Briggsmore Auto Team were primarily Handling, Acceleration, and Speed in that order. Using lessons learned from Formula 1 racers and similar production supercars, the Audace Z improved upon the model of the Amor line of supercars which had been previously produced by Briggsmore, replacing its suspension with a double-wishbone pushrod suspension system, a carbon monocoque chassis, and synthetic nanotube tires, to reduce weight and handling characteristics. The Audace Z was developed with the purpose of showcasing Briggsmore's capabilities as an automobile production firm, stretching the limits of sports car design.



The Audace Z is supported by a reinforced carbon fiber monocoque, meaning rather than with aluminum frames, the Audace's chassis consists of a carbon fiber shell which is incorporated into the external skin of the car. The forward engine and rear boot segments are supported by reinforced carbon nanotube subframes, further reducing weight. In addition, the industry standard gas-pocket tires have been replaced with carbon nanotube matrix-based low profile tires, decreasing weight and eliminating tire shredding completely, while retaining the Audace's traction. Through the use of carbon, nearly 200 kg (440 lb) has been shed from the previous Amor model. Nearly 80% of the Audace is made up of carbon fiber, while aluminum collars used to create joints and maintain the undercarriage make up the other 20%. Due to the massive shedding of weight, acceleration and handling through the corners is improved greatly, reducing strain on the engine and increasing acceleration dramatically.

Weight distribution was a heavy thought amongst the Briggsmore Development Team during the Audace's conception. As such, the windscreen whipper's water bottle and the gearbox are mounted deep within the chassis towards the rear, giving the Audace an exceptional weight distribution ratio of 49.8:50.2 (front:rear). Due to its rear-wheel drive system, torque steer (drifting due to acceleration) is eliminated, and acceleration, weight balance, and grip are above standard, especially in reference to the previous Amor model. Using a proprietary carbon nanotube low-profile tire, steering, stability and braking are improved, while sidewall wear is eliminated with the use of the exceptionally resistant carbon nanotube material. In addition, the Audace is equipped with a Double Wishbone Pushrod Suspension System, previously unique to Forumla 1 Cars and the recent Lamborghini Gallardo. While offering ultimate comfort and razor-sharp line accuracy around those corners. This is achieved through the unique geometry of the system, making the suspension more progressive than a conventional system. This, in effect, makes cornering much more gradual, comfortable, and controllable. Via a panel within the cabin, the driver may switch between "Track," "Comfort," or "Rocky" suspension, or between a percentage of what is tolerable, with sport being 5%. While Sport firms up the suspension and sharpens throttle response to allow for sharper control, Comfort softens the suspension, giving the driver and his passenger the utmost luxury. It maintains a turning circle of 12.3 m (40.35 ft).

The fuel tank straddles the exhaust system keeping weight centered along the left-right axis. The engine is connected to the transaxle via a rigid carbon-fiber torque tube which the exhaust system runs directly below. The Audace is outfitted with a a dual hydraulic braking system and high-grade Ceramic brake plates, offering superior stopping ability in comparison to semi-metallic plates. The front brake discs have a diameter of 400 mm and a depth of 38 mm (400x38mm), and the rear brakes 380x38mm. These heavy brakes increase handling during maneuvering through corners, and enabling a braking distance from 110-0 km/h to 39 m (127.95 ft). The brakes contain a venting matrix to decrease overheating. In addition, the Audace draws fluids from one of its three cooling radiators to cool the brakes when its computer systems detect hard braking. This decreases heat, and thus eliminating brakes fires in most cases. A precise electric steering system increases the effectiveness of the Audace, taking only 6.5 revolutions of the steering wheel (2,360 degrees) to steer from the maximum left to the maximum right angles.

The Audace Z includes either a 6-speed flappy paddle semi-automatic gearbox, in which the driver may either drive in automatic or manual modes, without the need for a clutch, or a 6-speed manual transmission. With the flappy paddle gearbox, the driver shifts via via a paddle on the right side of the steering wheel, and down via the left paddle. Gear changes are executed in 175 milliseconds; a time that cannot be expressed even in the time it takes to blink. This means turbolag is a thing of the past, and the maximization of power and torque is left to the driver. The car is equipped with launch control, its on-board computer, maximizing power and optimizing torque conditions in order to give the drive the smoothest and fastest launch possible. This system minimizes wheel spin and maximizes acceleration, allowing a 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration of 3.5 seconds. The gear ratios are as follows:

Gear	1	2	3	4	5	6	Reverse	Final Drive
Ratio	3.23	2.19	1.61	1.23	0.97	0.79	3.59	3.42

The Audace Z holds a 5.2 liter L93 Petroleum V10 engine, producing 513 hp (382 kW) (at 7,000 rpm) of power, possessing a weight to power ratio of 5.5 lb/hp (3.35 kg/kW) in the standard version of the car. This powerful engine, compounding on the light weight allowed through the largely carbon-fiber/nanotube construction, the Audace may accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and has a top speed of 345 km/h (214.37 mph). The L93 redlines at 9,000 revs per minute and has a limiter of 9,450 revs per minute. At 8,700 hp, the Audace's engine produces power outputs of 560 hp at its redline rpm of 9,000 rpm. The engine itself is mounted perpendicular with the chassis, shortening the overall profile of the car. With four-valves per cylinder, the L93 has a total of 40.

A V10 was chosen over a V8 due to its ability achieve higher revs per minute, and a V12 due to its more compact size, allowing for more swift engine response and decrease weight/profile. During its design, engineers were tasked with making the L93 resemble the sound of an Formula 1 engine, while maintaining practicality. With a 74.57 liter (19.7 gallon) fuel tank, the Audace has a fuel economy of 4.67 km/l (11 mpg) in city conditions and 6.8 km/l (16 mpg) on the highway, giving it an effective range of (507.26 km) 315.2 mi. Premium Petroleum is recommended for use in the Audace Z for optimal performance.

0-100 km/h	3.7 Seconds
0-160 km/h	7.4 Seconds
0-200 km/h	11.2 Seconds
0-240 km/h	18.4 Seconds
400 m (1/4 Mile)	11.4 seconds (at 200 km/h)

The standard Audace Z is 4,505 mm (177.36 in) in length, 1,998 mm (78.7 in) in width, and 1,897 mm (74.69 in) in height, with a wheelbase length of 2,645 mm (104.13 in). The length of the Audace was widened by about 100 mm from concept designs in 2004 after a switch from a V8 engine to a V10, and major structural changes.

Briggsmore follows the basic philosophy: form follows function. With its carbon fiber monocoque, the Audace is made up primarily of sharp edges and inlets leading into its air intakes, increasing aerodynamic performance. A small gap at the base of edge of the hood is specially designed to direct air to cool its V10 engine. The dual duct system works in directing hot air away from the engine more effectively than with a single grill. Via a control panel in the cabin, a rear spoiler is erected, providing down force on the rear wheels and increasing handling around corners. When braking is engaged, the spoiler angles down, giving the driver even more drag to help with control. Two aft vents and two vents just in front of the rear wheels are used to cool the three titanium exhaust pipes and aid in cooling the brakes. Its headlamps and rear lights are illuminated via light-emitting diodes, able to rotate with the turning of the wheel. Briggsmore Auto provides color schemes, including the entire light spectrum, although standard the Audace is shipped white if not specified. Paint customization spans across the body, the bumpers, the brake calipers, the spoiler, and the trim.

Much of the trim of the Audace Z is brushed aluminium and carbon fiber. The dashboard, rear-view mirror, door lining, and steering wheel are formed from carbon fiber, while the instruments are forged from aluminum. The Audace is equipped with a full satellite navigation system, 360 degree heating and air conditioning, two heated seats, airbags for the drivers and passenger, launch control, traction control (with settings for tarmac, sand, rain, and snow), and vehicle statistics, such as average fuel economy and average speed. The instruments are illuminated by LEDs, and the driver is provided with 56 colors by which he or she can chose from. Much like the exterior of the Audace, the interior is fully customizable with a color pallet as large as the full light spectrum. The Audace may be shipped with both left and right hand-drive as requested by the customer. In addition, the Audace's stereo is equipped with satellite radio, hand-free communication, and compatibility with standard MP3 players. The Audace has luggage space of 96.27 liters (3.4 cu. ft.).

The car is equipped with a keyless-ignition system. Via a computer program, the Audace detects the owner's key's signal and allows him to simply push a button on the control panel rather than put the key into the ignition. To combat thefts, this function only works if the key is within the area of the car. The Audace may also be started by the key if he or she wishes.