Brabham has unveiled a street-legal version of its BT62. The car gets the addition ‘R’, which of course stands for ‘road’. The BT62R is probably good for similar fun as with the BT62, but is just a bit more subtle on a few points.
The Brabham name was revived over two years ago. It all started with Formula 1 driver Jack Brabham, then there was also the F1 team of the same Brabham for a while and with the unveiling of the BT62 in 2018 there was also the car brand. The BT62 can proudly bear the name of the three-time F1 champion, because it is a very fast creation that can prove itself on the track. Purely on the track, not on public roads. Although the Australian brand already came up with customization options last year to still be able to use the BT62 on the road, there was not yet a factory street-legal variant. Until now.
The BT62R remains very close to its track brother. That means essentially the same car, with the 710 horsepower 5.4-liter V8 from Ford behind the two front seats. Shifting is done with a sequential six-speed gearbox. In about 3 seconds, 100 km / h is on the counter from standstill and the party only stops at around 320 km / h. As with the BT62, the wing work all around and the enormous rear spoiler must also ensure that the whole remains pressed against the asphalt. With the BT62, this generates a maximum of 1,200 kilos of downforce.
The R has a slightly more subtle front spoiler lip and a modified diffuser to keep it intact on public roads. So he should probably do it with a little less downward pressure. Brabham has also adapted the exhaust system to keep the police friendly and the ride height can be adjusted. Very nice if you hit a road full of bumps or potholes. The seats are also different from the circuit BT62 and there is (optional) a sound system and air conditioning. It is not yet clear what the car will cost, but it will undoubtedly be an expensive and exclusive story. The well-known BT62 costs at least € 167,000 after adjustment for use on public roads. Brabham says it has already sold a number of BT62Rs and will deliver the first within weeks.