Brabham launches road car
Brabham Automotive has revealed the new BT62 road variant, the BT62R. The model expands the BT62 family to three configurations, joining the Ultimate Track and Competition specification vehicles. Brabham says the range now caters for collectors, gentleman racers and astute drivers, promising exclusivity, individuality, and unrivalled performance.
“Launching the BT62R is a great achievement for the team at Brabham Automotive. All the requisite design and engineering to turn the track BT62 into the road going BT62R has been done in-house by our team of engineers, which is a great testimony to their endeavour and expertise, said Dan Marks, CEO of Brabham Automotive.
“This is a significant milestone for Brabham Automotive as we continue towards the launch of our next car, which will be a fully homologated road car. We will be making further announcements about this exciting next chapter in the coming months. For now, customers can get a taste of what it is like to drive a Brabham on the road with the BT62R.”
All versions are available in either left or right-hand drive and are finished in either a Signature Series livery of the customer’s own design, or a Celebration Series livery honouring one of the 35 Formula 1 wins achieved by Brabham cars.
The BT62R features a number of important changes compared to its Ultimate Track and Competition counterparts. It retains the BT62’s pedigree as an incredible track car while adding the ability to drive legally on public roads with vehicle registration available in selected markets.
Brabham says that with 522kW (700hp) of power and 667Nm of torque on tap, the BT62R features the highest-output, naturally aspirated V8 on the market. The engine is the same 5.4 litre, Brabham V8 engine as the Ultimate Track and Competition variants but with revised engine mapping for use on the road.
The BT62R’s exhaust system is revised to quiet the system for road use but with minimal back-pressure to maintain instant power and response.
Drive is through a 6-speed sequential transmission with revised gear ratios more suitable for road use. Steering wheel paddle operation is standard. The transmission provides instant, clutch-free changes on track, but also has a traditional clutch for smooth operation on public roads.
Special emphasis was placed on everyday drivability during the development of the BT62R. Access to the revised interior is via remote-operated door locking with the new Brabham key, available in the driver’s choice of liveries to match the vehicle exterior.
Finished in either leather and/or Alcantara with contrast stitching, the seats are of carbon fibre construction, adhering to the car’s light-weight design ethos. The interior is fitted with heat and sound insulation with an Alcantara-trimmed roof, complete with bespoke internal storage compartments. A new climate cooling system is fitted to manage interior temperatures on warm summer drives.
The dashboard features a new digital control panel with an option to revert to the track-oriented display when on circuit. The digital dashboard includes vision from a rear-facing camera (when required).
Lighting, side mirrors and other utility features required to drive on the road are fitted.
The race variant is famed for its incredible vehicle dynamics and Brabham says the BT62R is no exception, with a chassis/suspension/aero setup that is tuned for the road but completely at home on the track.
BT62R shares the same FIA compliant chassis as its track-oriented siblings, with a revised suspension system tuned for road use. The chassis is clothed in a carbon fibre body sculpted for efficient aerodynamics and good looks. The body features a revised front splitter, new top-mounted air intake, new rear diffuser and a re-designed and road compliant single-plane rear wing.
Brabham says BT62R maintains a superior downforce-to-weight ratio over comparable road vehicles thanks to its extremely light weight. The result is a car that maintains the incredible dynamics of a race car – acceleration, deceleration, and lateral variation – and combines them with the manners and comfort of a road car.
Aerodynamic changes made to the car complement the tyre’s grip envelope perfectly and carbon ceramic brakes offer the ultimate in road-friendly stopping power.
The inbuilt vehicle lift kit allows for easy clearance on public roads and steep driveways. The car can be set at 70mm, 90mm, 110mm or 130mm at the press of a button via the new digital control panel.
The BT62R is available in either Signature or Celebration Series versions.
Signature Series owners can choose a livery in conjunction with Brabham’s own design team to bring their car to life according to their tastes.
Celebration Series owners choose from one of remaining 35 racing liveries celebrating the Brabham team’s 35 wins in Formula 1. The livery chosen is exclusive and will never be reproduced.
Celebration Series owners also receive additional luxury treatments including 18 carat gold badging, and Brabham’s own ‘Track Pack’. The Track Pack includes the rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser from the track variants, providing the road compliant BT62R with the same aerodynamic properties and massive downforce as the track variant when on circuit.
The first BT62R will be delivered in the coming weeks with multiple orders already received and in production for customers in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.
