4 Things You Need To Know About The Outrageous Brabham BT62
One of Formula 1’s most celebrated names is back, and it’s being used to sell super-exclusive, super-expensive and super-bonkers track cars. We’re talking about Brabham, the Formula 1 team founded by Australian racing legend Jack Brabham.
The team folded part way through the 1992 season, but Brabham Automotive - set up by son David, a former Le Mans winner himself - is now a thing, and it’s just released its first car: the BT62. Let us fill you in:
Power comes from a naturally-aspirated V8
While road-going performance cars increasingly become electrified and downsized, it seems track cars like the BT62 and the Apollo IE will be stepping in to fill the rich petrolhead’s desire for big atmospheric engines.
In the case of the BT62, it’s packing a mid-mounted 5.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8. Brabham tells us it “started life as a reputable OEM production block which has been redesigned and developed into a unique race engine for Brabham.” It develops 700bhp at 7400rpm and 492lb ft of torque at 6200rpm, strong numbers considering our next point…
It's incredibly light
Specifically, it weighs just 972kg, thanks in part to its carbonfibre bodywork. Brabham hasn’t released any performance figures for the BT62, but with a power-to-weight ratio of over 700bhp, you know it’s going to be silly quick.
Power is sent to the rear wheels (obviously) via a race-spec Holinger six-speed sequential gearbox.
It's all about big wings and sticky tyres
So, that’s the straight-line performance box ticked, so how about cornering? First up, we have an astonishing 1200kg of downforce to consider, thanks in part to that huge adjustable rear wing. We’re not sure what speed that figure is at, but for semi-context, a McLaren Senna generates 800kg at 155mph. The second big factor is the tyres: they’re Michelin racing slicks. Should do.
When it comes to stopping, that’s taken care of with carbon ceramic discs squeezed by six-piston calipers front and rear.
You probably can't afford one
Now we’ve whet your appetite with that tasty-sounding recipe, we should probably let you know that it costs £1 million. Plus taxes. And options. Oh, and it’s limited to just 70 units, a nod to how many years it’s been since Jack Brabham started racing.
For most of us, we’ll have to just settle for watching and hearing it in action. Bring on the YouTube videos…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Atomic Corvette What do you think about this? I need one. decided
It looks like a Gallardo, Aventador, and a LaFerrari had a child. I like it
Wanna bet this’ll be advertised as being British in Forza? We’ve been here before… it’s called McLaren.
GM, Ford and Toyota. We are no longer building cars in Australia, the cost is too high. David Brabham, here hold my beer…..
Senna from the rear, Regera from the front.