AUSTRALIAN boutique car maker Brabham Automotive has taken the covers off the road variant of its BT62 race car, with the launch of the Brabham BT62R, which joins the Ultimate Track and Competition specification vehicles in the range.
Catering for collectors, gentleman racers and astute drivers alike, the new model promises exclusivity, individuality and unrivaled performance from its 522kW naturally aspirated V8, which produces 667Nm of torque.
Promising a visceral driving experience like no other, 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.
“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 endeavor and expertise,” Brabham Automotive CEO Dan Marks said.
“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 Formula 1 cars.
The BT62R features a number of important changes compared to the two track variants, including variable ride heights for driving on track and on public roads, and a new exhaust system for reduced cabin noise and compliant road noise.
Air conditioning and a heated windscreen are also standard, as are a new front splitter and rear diffuser. A new road seat design features, along with an optinoal speaker system.
It rides on Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport road tyres, using a motor sport-derived, high-friction compound offering exceptional lateral grip and traction. Celebration Series owners will also enjoy additional features.
These include 18-carat gold logos and badges, a bespoke carbon interior, unique to each vehicle, and an exclusive Track Pack, including the track rear wing, splitter and diffuser for fitting when required for track events.
Drive is through a 6-speed sequential transmission with revised gear ratios more suitable for road use. Steering wheel paddle operation is standard.
The BT62R transmission provides instant, clutch-free changes on track, but also has a traditional clutch for smooth operation on public roads.
Inside, the seats are luxuriously finished in either leather and/or Alcantara with contrast stitching. The seats are a carbon fibre construction adhering to the car’s light-weight design ethos.
The interior of the BT62R 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).
The BT62R is fitted with all required lighting, side mirrors and other utility features required to drive on the road.
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 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.
