Praga Bohema Sets Record as Fastest Pure Combustion Car on Top Gear Track

Not long ago, the iconic Stig was seen flying around the Dunsfold Aerodrome behind the wheel of the Praga Bohema on Top Gear. The famously mysterious driver—revealed in this case to be Ben Collins—was once again at the center of attention, smashing previous lap times and even surpassing his own records.

A Lightweight Supercar Defies Expectations

This time, Collins took on the challenge with the Praga Bohema, a lightweight supercar that, despite producing far less power than today’s hybrid hypercars, delivered a jaw-dropping performance. The car itself proved to be the real hero.

First revealed in 2022, the Bohema has steadily built momentum, with customer deliveries beginning in late 2023. Praga is set to hand over more units during the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The recent lap record only adds more prestige to its résumé.

So, what’s the big number? The Praga Bohema clocked a blistering 1:09.8 at the former Top Gear test circuit—just a fraction behind the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s hybrid-powered record of 1:09.6, which boasts over 1,100 horsepower.

Raw Performance Over Hybrid Power

“I expected the Bohema to be quick, but Dunsfold’s tight layout doesn’t exactly favor a car built around aerodynamic grip,” said Collins. “This performance proves what’s possible when you combine ultra-light construction, sophisticated aerodynamics, and raw combustion power—even when stacked against established hybrid monsters.”

Collins didn’t hit the record on his first attempt. On his opening flying lap, he already beat the Ferrari 488 Pista’s 1:12.7 with a 1:12.3. He then surpassed the Ferrari SF90’s 1:11.3, eventually trimming his time down to an impressive 1:10.9. But it was on another lap that he shaved a little more, reaching the 1:09.8 milestone.

Engineering Built for Speed

Like the Valkyrie, engineers built the Bohema almost entirely out of carbon fiber and equipped it with extreme aerodynamic detailing. They sourced its heart—a modified 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6—from the Nissan GT-R, and Litchfield fine-tuned it to deliver 700 horsepower to the rear wheels.

Although it’s street-legal, engineers designed the Bohema with the racetrack in mind. Its advanced suspension setup and carbon-ceramic brakes ensure it handles like a full-blown race car. Engineers built it to impress, giving it 900 kg (1,984 lbs) of downforce at 250 km/h (155 mph) and a 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time under three seconds.

Bohema Joins the Top Gear Elite

The Dunsfold Aerodrome served as Top Gear’s home circuit from 2002 to 2020, and has been the scene for countless epic laps. Until recently, the Ferrari SF90 Stradale held the combustion-based record there, with a time of 1:11.3.

Following closely behind were the Ferrari 488 Pista, Dallara Stradale, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and McLaren 675LT. The Koenigsegg Jesko Attack eventually outpaced the SF90 with a 1:10.9 lap time, followed by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which set an even faster time of 1:09.6.Now, the Praga Bohema slots in between them at 1:09.8.

During the Top Gear TV era, the show’s producers typically limited the Stig to just one lap to set a time.In contrast, Collins had the advantage of multiple laps in the Bohema, allowing him to push the car to its limits with more confidence.

He even gave YouTuber Misha Charoudin a ride just days before the record attempt. Weather and track conditions also play a role, so comparisons aren’t always apples to apples—but the Bohema’s feat remains impressive nonetheless.

Praga, a Czech brand with roots stretching back to 1907, was reborn in 2011 with ambitions to build elite supercars.Praga handcrafts every Bohema in the Czech Republic, and although the company initially planned to produce only 89 units, overwhelming interest might prompt it to revise that number.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: GAC’s Groundbreaking Ammonia-Powered Engine: A Glimpse into the Future of Automotive Propulsion