BRISTOL CARS (The Company)
In 1946, the Bristol Aeroplane Company, one of the world's most successful aviation manufacturers diversified into car manufacture. In 1960 it was persuaded to join with others to form the British Aircraft Corporation (later British Aerospace). At that time the car division (Bristol Cars Ltd) passed into private hands. Today, our staff is still drawn from an aviation background to ensure that they are steeped in the traditions of superior engineering, unimpeachable quality and a total devotion to safety.
As a company, we have no interest in slavishly copying automotive fashion. We crave instead integrity of purpose and an unmatched level of engineering perfection. We pursue a mindset that designs and builds our cars with a useful life of many decades in mind. As a result, we continue to enjoy absolute customer confidence and loyalty, which allows Bristol to thrive where others have failed. We are the only luxury car manufacturer that remains in private British hands. This ensures us the absolute independence of thought and action that is essential to our purpose.
ALL NEW
We draw your attention to the fact that the Fighter is an entirely new car. The V-10 engine and transmission have been specially developed to suit Bristol requirements. The rest of the vehicle has been designed "with a clean sheet of paper", to meet the uniquely demanding requirements of a sports car capable of well over 200 miles an hour.
STYLE
The Fighter is one of the very few cars ever designed where aerodynamic efficiency has been placed ahead of all other considerations. Innovative design features are shared with aircraft, high-speed missiles and even submarines. The teardrop form of the passenger area ensures the lowest possible lift and drag. It also offers uninterrupted all-round vision whilst the dramatic gullwing doors are an intelligent solution on a sporting car to ensure easy entry and exit even in confined spaces. Supremely elegant but with a steely hint of aggression, the Fighter is a perfect example of the beauty that inevitably results when form exactly follows function.
LUXURY
Bristol does not subscribe to the view that one needs to sacrifice luxury for performance. Although capable of cruising at speeds greater than that of many light aircraft, Fighter still incorporates sybaritic levels of luxury that have long made Bristol cars the first choice for long Continental trips. Superbly contoured leather sports seats cosset drivers from 4' 11" up to 6' 7" tall in an interior that offers ample space to relax in all directions. Handcrafted appointments the equal of any Bristol saloon are to be enjoyed along with the latest in electronic accessories that may be desired.
On the move, Fighter's sophisticated suspension achieves a precise bond with the road while isolating the occupants from tiresome road imperfections. Painstaking acoustical development has distilled the pure sound and feel of a sports car while the tiring elements of road, engine and wind noise have been expunged. The Fighter is perhaps the only car that combines such a hedonistic luxury experience with the inspirational ability of an ultimate two-seater sports car.
DYNAMICS
With a top speed of approximately 210 miles per hour and acceleration to match, few cars indeed can approach the Fighter's level of performance or indeed its levels of luxury and refinement. Its mighty V-10 power unit responds with startling accuracy to the driver's throttle input in a manner quite unlike conventional high revving or forced induction units. According to the driver's mood the engine can be utterly calm or addictively potent. Should you choose to savour the wrath of the 8 litre V-10 you will find it to be simply one of motoring's great experiences.
Further enhancing driver pleasure is a sophisticated suspension and chassis designed to provide very high levels of grip and agility. Excellent chassis control and driver feedback allow enjoyable progress even when road and weather conditions deteriorate. Smaller, more challenging roads emphasise the value of Fighter's unrivalled visibility and uniquely compact external dimensions.
SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL AND DESIGN FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
All-aluminium V-10 engine is unusually light and compact. Specific output of one horsepower per pound of weight sets a new benchmark for class.
Power output of 525 bhp increases to 550 bhp at very high speed due to aerodynamically induced supercharging effect. Maximum speed approximately 210 mph.
Excellent traction permits 0-60 mph in approximately 4 secs.
Generous torque, high gearing and low drag ensure pleasing fuel economy. Even our "lead-footed" factory test drivers regularly return over 20 mpg.
6-speed, close ratio manual gearbox allows 60 mph in first gear, 100 mph cruising at 2,450 rpm in 6th.
Engine produces an effortless flow of torque. Even at tickover there is 350 lb.ft (476 Nm) available. Generous peak torque of 525 lb.ft (714 Nm) is achieved at 4,200 rpm.
Optional normally aspirated 'S' version offers 628/660 bhp and 590 lb.ft of torque.
Optional twin turbocharged 'T' version produces 1012 bhp and 1036 lb.ft of torque.
AERODYNAMICS
Immensely strong chassis structure with 6" deep steel sill boxes, cross members and aluminium torsional bulkheads.
Inner structure in steel with hand formed aluminium, outer body panels to ensure longevity.
Carbon fibre doors and tailgate ensure maximum stiffness and contribute to a lower centre of gravity.
Massive steel safety cage and roll over bars provide advanced levels of passenger protection in a really severe impact.
Optional four point racing type seatbelts.
Use of aerospace materials and design techniques trim weight to a moderate 1,540 kg (3,395 lb).
Electronic tyre pressure and temperature monitors are a standard fitment.
Driver selectable traction control fitted as standard.
LED tail lights eliminate bulb failures and respond faster.
PACKAGING
Generous accommodation for occupants up to 6'7" tall. Ample electric adjustment for seats and steering wheel makes all sizes comfortable.
Boot area accessible from within and without, accommodates luggage for long distance touring or two large golf bags.
23-gallon (105 litre) fuel tank gives touring range in excess of 400 miles. 28.5-gallon (130 litre) tank is optional.
In the event of tyre trouble a full sized spare tyre is standard so that you may safely and conveniently continue your journey.
Genuinely compact external dimensions make driving in traffic or on challenging smaller roads a pleasure.
Panoramic visibility for maximum safety and driving enjoyment.
Turning circle rivals most city cars, 75% Ackerman steering geometry avoids unseemly tyre scrub.
8" ground clearance ahead of front wheels and 6" beneath car eliminates possibility of grounding over speed bumps or on steep driveways.
Sets new standards for space utilisation in fast cars.
INTERIOR
Modern and efficient in layout, stylish and elegant in appearance.
Extensive aircraft style instrumentation includes oil temperature and pressure, fuel system pressure, outside air temperature and engine hours displays.
Compact overhead aircraft-style console houses gauges and switches that are used when car is stationary.
Special attention to tactile quality of switchgear.
Deeply bolstered armchair-type seats provide cosseting comfort with excellent lateral support in fast driving.
Excellent oddment space and access to luggage area from within.
Latest technology photo luminescent switch panels for glare-free operation at night.
Flawless soft hand stitched leather covers the interior surfaces.
Leather edge-bound Wilton carpeting with thick sound proofing underlays.
Stylish gullwing doors make entry and exit a pleasure, especially in confined spaces.
HANDLING AND ROADHOLDING
Front mid-engine design gives low polar moment of inertia for agile handling response.
52% of weight on rear wheels gives superior traction and braking performance.
Unusually low centre of gravity minimises weight transfer and improves roadholding.
Fully independent double-wishbone suspension with coil-over racing type dampers for exceptional comfort and control.
Steering and suspension set entirely new standards for geometric precision and accuracy.
Fuel tank mounted around the centre of gravity to eliminate handling changes as fuel load varies.
Wide 285/40 x 18" tyres front and rear on 10" rims generate superb adhesion. Rated for speeds over 200 mph.
Every car individually set up to exact specification including adjusting to exact corner weights.
Adjustable electronic traction control fitted as standard.
STEERING
Rack and pinion with rapid 2.7 turns lock to lock (with an uncommonly tight turning circle).
Power assistance tailored to suit the owner's individual preference.
Electric 4-way adjustable steering column. Unique steering wheel design enhances instrument visibility.
Steering mechanism optimised for accuracy and correct feedback.
Genuine feel of the road retained in slippery conditions.
BRAKES
Front 6-piston callipers with 343 x 32 mm ventilated discs.
Rear 4-piston callipers with 343 x 26 mm ventilated discs.
Careful thermodynamic design ensures freedom from fade in hard use.
Moderate servo assistance ensures progressive response and correct pedal feel.
Powerful separate emergency/parking brake callipers on rear.
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