Brabham BT62: 700bhp track-only hypercar demonstrated at Goodwood

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Brabham Automotive says the BT62 has been "specifically designed, developed and tested to reward like no other". The car’s name comes from the convention established by Jack Brabham’s team — officially known as Motor Racing Developments, which won four F1 drivers’ and two makes’ championships during its 30-year history. 

David Brabham said the BT62 started "the next chapter in the evolving Brabham story" and that it is "a car truly worthy of carrying the iconic Brabham name".

The BT62 is 4460mm long and 1950mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2695mm. It features substantial aerodynamics including an adjustable rear wing, which the firm claims produces more than 1200kg of downforce, and has a 41/59 front-to-rear weight distribution. The power is delivered through a six-speed Holinger sequential gearbox, with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The car has 18in wheels front and rear, with Michelin competition tyres and six-piston carbon-on-carbon Brembo brakes. In keeping with its motorsport heritage, the BT62 features a six-point racing harness, removable carbonfibre steering wheel, a 125-litre fuel tank with quick-fill connectors and a built-in air jack system.

The car will be sold in left-hand drive as standard, with right-hand drive available "on request". Owners will become members of a Brabham driver development programme designed to develop their “physical ability and determination” to the point where they can "fully exploit" the BT62’s performance.

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Paul Birch, who headed development of the car, said the BT62 was created from a blank sheet of paper over a two-year engineering and development programme. He added: "It’s a car that demands total engagement and commitment from its driver, delivering immense reward and satisfaction."

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The BT62 will be limited to 70 cars to mark, according to the team, the 70 years since Jack Brabham began racing in Australia. The Anglo-Australian company will have offices in the UK and Adelaide, South Australia, where the BT62 will also be built at a 15,000 square-metre facility.

The first 35 cars will be liveried to reflect each of the grand prix team’s 35 world championship race wins. The first car, on display at the launch event, was finished in the green and gold colours carried by the BT19, which Brabham used to take his team’s first victory in the 1966 French Grand Prix at Reims.