Bristol Fighter

Hypercar Performance • Advanced Aerodynamics • Exclusivity • Engineering Integrity

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.

The Fighter is an entirely new car, 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, and with a V-10 engine and transmission that have been specially developed to suit Bristol requirements.

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 the Fighter's unrivalled visibility and uniquely compact external dimensions.

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.

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, The 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.

On the move, the 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.

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 less than 4 secs.
  • Generous torque, high gearing and low drag ensure pleasing fuel economy. Average fuel consumption 22-26 mpg.
  • Engine idles on five cylinders at rest.
  • 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.
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 set up to exact specification including adjusting to exact corner weights.
  • Adjustable electronic traction control fitted as standard.
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 500 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.
Chassis, Structure and Safety
  • 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 instantly.
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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Fighter T

Responding to the needs of some exacting customers, we have created the very special Fighter T variant. The Fighter T delivers the ultimate in performance while still retaining every bit of its street usability, remaining a compact and enjoyable car to drive around town, yet it takes two people and their luggage in great luxury and ease for transcontinental travel. Despite its unrivalled performance, the Fighter T is absolutely suitable to be used as every day transport in addition to recreational or track-day purposes.

The Fighter’s 8 litre V10 all aluminium engine has been twin turbocharged and intercooled to deliver 1012 bhp at 5600 rpm and 1036 lb ft of torque at 4500 rpm. Bristol Cars have more than 30 years of turbocharging experience. While the standard Fighter produces a remarkable 525 lb ft of torque at 3500rpm, the Fighter T delivers a scarcely believable 900 lb ft at the same rpm, and remains above that figure all the way up to the rev limit of 6000rpm.

Exclusive exterior styling changes, a special lightweight sports interior and desirable mechanical alterations to suit the extra performance complete the enhancements on the Fighter T.

With a kerb weight of just 1595 kg (52% on rear wheels) and a drag factor reduced to 0.225 by a new rear wake diffuser, performance is simply breathtaking. The Fighter T has a potential maximum speed of more than 270 mph, although this has been electronically limited to a more than sufficient 225 mph at only 4500rpm. 0 to 60 mph takes less than 3.5 seconds.

Bristol cars believe that there is still no other car worldwide with such a remarkable range of abilities.

Engine
  • All aluminium 8 litre V10.
  • 9.3:1 compression ratio.
  • Two ball bearing water cooled turbochargers with intercooling, uprated engine internals.
  • High flow cylinder heads with high lift camshaft.
  • High capacity cooling system and catalysts.
  • Free flow exhaust with side of car exits.
  • Output 127 bhp per litre.
  • 1,012 bhp at 5600 rpm.
  • 1,036 lb.ft of torque at 4500 rpm.
Transmission
  • 6 speed manual gearbox with increased torque capacity.
  • Revised gear ratios to suit torque characteristics.
  • 60 mph in first gear.
  • 49.8 mph at 1000 rpm in 6th gear.
Chassis
  • Structure 30% stiffer in torsion.
  • Uprated springs with 10 mm lower ride height.
  • 25% stiffer front anti-roll bar and firmer sports dampers.
  • Revised wishbone geometry front and rear. 40% increased castor.
  • Ball jointed rear uprights.
  • 5 spoke 19 inch aluminium alloy lightweight wheels with 285 x 19 inch front tyres and 335 x 19 inch rear tyres.
Exterior
  • Radiused intake grille.
  • Side exit exhaust pipes.
  • Polished stainless steel outlets.
  • Rear wake diffuser.
  • Front splitter.
Interior
  • Engine turned aluminium instrument and centre console with translucent black varnish.
  • Milled aluminium switch gear.
  • Turbo boost gauge.
  • Lightweight ‘racing style’ seats.
  • Lightweight steering wheel.

All Bristol Cars are subject to continuous development and the specifications given can change and may differ from that outlined above.