Bohema Blitz: Czech Hypercar Sets New Top Gear Track Record
By Team Dailyrevs June 3, 2025
Record-Breaking Performance: The Praga Bohema logged a 1:09.8 lap time around Dunsfold Aerodrome, setting a new benchmark for combustion-only production cars.
Engineering Excellence: Powered by a tuned Nissan GT-R engine and weighing under 1,000 kg, the Bohema showcases the potential of aerodynamics and lightweight design.
Limited Production: With only 89 units estimated, the Bohema is a rare blend of track capability and road compliance, with a special emphasis on rarity.
The Rise of Praga Bohema
Ferrari, Koenigsegg, and Aston Martin are the usual suspects in the hypercar scene, but a largely unseen Czech car named the Praga Bohema recently disrupted this by setting a new lap record for internal-combustion-only production cars at the fabled Dunsfold Aerodrome, more popularly known as the Top Gear test track.
The Bohema registered a time of 1:09.8, topping the 1:11.3 of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and close to catching the Aston Martin Valkyrie's 1:09.6. This is particularly impressive given that the Bohema uses only combustion power and boasts no hybrid assistance.
Engineering Behind the Record
The Bohema is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6, borrowed from the Nissan GT-R, but thoroughly retuned by Litchfield Engineering to develop 700 horsepower. The powerplant is paired with a light carbon-fiber frame, bringing the weight of the vehicle under 1,000 kg.
The Bohema's aerodynamic design generates huge downforce, which gives additional traction and stability at high speeds. The suspension and brake systems of the Bohema have been inspired by motorsport technology to be best suited for the track.
The Man Behind the Wheel
Ben Collins, well-known to many as the former 'Stig' of Top Gear, piloted the Bohema to its record lap. Collins praised the brakes of the car and stated, "This car has the best brakes and best ABS of any car that I've driven. They really give you that granular feeling when you're braking."
Particularly, Collins used the Bohema to the track on road tires, ran the lap unaltered, and demonstrated the potential of the car for even faster times under suitable conditions.
A Nod to Heritage and Exclusivity
Praga, established in 1907, is rich in heritage of automobile and aviation production. The Bohema is a fusion of such tradition with modern engineering expertise. Each model is hand-crafted, with only 89 to be made, commemorating Praga's 89th anniversary of their victory at the 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia in 1933.
For approximately $1.4 million, the Bohema is for collectors and enthusiasts who wish for a road-capable but track-worthy pairing.
Conclusion
The record-breaking of the Praga Bohema at Dunsfold Aerodrome showcases the impact of groundbreaking design and engineering. As hybrid and electric hypercars hog the limelight of current times, the Bohema serves as a reminder of the enduring potential of conventional combustion-engine cars. This record of Praga is not just one of import but also makes the Bohema a car to contend with in the hypercar space.
