Praga Bohema Hypercar Turns Heads at Czech Veteran Race, Eyes Global Market
The Praga Bohema, a striking hypercar crafted in the Czech Republic, recently made an unexpected appearance at the 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia veteran car race. The exclusive vehicle, boasting a price tag exceeding €1.4 million, drew considerable attention as it mingled with classic automobiles, highlighting a blend of automotive history and cutting-edge technology. The company is now focusing on expanding its reach in the global market.
Bohema’s Surprise Appearance at Historic race
The Praga Bohema’s presence at the event, which commemorates a famous race from the First Republic, served as a symbolic nod to Czechoslovak automotive traditions. Jan Martínek, representing Praga, emphasized the brand’s intention to honor this heritage while showcasing modern innovation.
Adding to the intrigue, representatives from the British magazine Top Gear were on hand to film a feature about the car. Their itinerary included visits to the Moast circuit, Brno, and Slovakia, capturing the Bohema’s story against the backdrop of Czech automotive culture.
Did you Know? The 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia race was a prestigious event in the pre-World War II era, testing the endurance of both cars and drivers across challenging terrain.
Tom Ford, a journalist and presenter from Top Gear, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, notably his interest in the Praga super Piccolo, further underscoring the connection between classic and contemporary automotive engineering.
Global Ambitions and Market Focus
Despite its Czech origins, Praga has yet to sell a Bohema within the Czech Republic.According to Martínek, potential customers in the region ofen exhibit hesitation towards the exclusive hypercar, preferring established brands like Ferrari. However, the company has secured its first customers abroad, including in the UK, with a broader market focus on the “world” rather than specific countries.
The company sees notable interest from the Middle East,Poland,and the Netherlands. Securing a customer for a car priced over €1.4 million requires a personalized approach and substantial effort,necessitating constant engagement and demonstrations.
Pro Tip: When marketing high-value products,personalized customer engagement and building trust are crucial for overcoming skepticism and securing sales.
Handmade Excellence and Limited Production
the Bohema is produced in a limited series of just 89 cars, with the automaker currently capable of manufacturing approximately ten vehicles per year. There is potential to increase production to 25 cars annually. Praga confidently positions the Bohema alongside renowned hypercar manufacturers like Koenigsegg and Pagani, emphasizing its commitment to quality despite its smaller team size.
The Bohema was designed primarily as a driving car for circuit experiences, but it is also homologated for road use. It features a heavily modified Nissan GT-R engine, delivering over 700 horsepower.
Record-Breaking Performance and Future Appearances
In may, the Bohema achieved a speed record on the Dunsfold track, famously used by Top Gear, with a time of 01:09:84 minutes.This was the fastest time recorded for a car with an internal combustion engine.Ben Collins,known as “The Stig” from Top Gear,was behind the wheel.
Praga plans to showcase the Bohema at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, aiming to boost interest and confidence in the Czech hypercar. The company believes that increased international recognition will positively influence perceptions at home.
Praga Bohema: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | Over €1.4 million (excluding tax) |
| Engine | Modified nissan GT-R |
| Horsepower | Over 700 hp |
| Production Limit | 89 cars |
| Current Production Rate | Approximately 10 cars per year |
The Rise of hypercars
The hypercar market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for exclusive, high-performance vehicles.These cars often represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with luxurious design. Brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Pagani have established themselves as leaders in this segment, pushing the boundaries of speed, power, and exclusivity. According to a report by Statista, the global hypercar market is projected to reach $28.6 billion by 2028, demonstrating the continued interest and investment in these extraordinary machines.
The Praga Bohema aims to carve out its own niche within this competitive landscape by offering a unique blend of Czech craftsmanship, track-focused performance, and road legality. Its limited production and personalized customer approach further contribute to its exclusivity, appealing to discerning collectors and enthusiasts seeking something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Praga Bohema
- What is the Praga Bohema?
- The Praga Bohema is a limited-production, Czech-made hypercar with a price tag exceeding 1.4 million euros. It’s designed for both track performance and road legality, featuring a modified Nissan GT-R engine producing over 700 horsepower.
- Where is the Praga Bohema manufactured?
- The Praga Bohema is handmade in the Czech Republic in a very limited series, with a target of 89 cars. Production is currently around ten cars per year, with the potential to increase to 25.
- Why is the Praga Bohema focusing on international markets?
- While the Praga Bohema is a Czech product, the company is focusing on international markets due to greater demand and acceptance of exclusive hypercars outside of the Czech Republic. Key markets include the UK, Poland, and the Netherlands.
- What makes the Praga bohema unique compared to other hypercars?
- The Praga bohema stands out due to its limited production,handmade construction,and focus on delivering a pure driving experience. It combines track-focused performance with road legality, setting it apart from some other high-performance vehicles.
- How did the Praga Bohema perform on the Top Gear test track?
- The Praga Bohema set a record time on the Dunsfold track, known from the Top Gear show, achieving a time of 01:09:84 minutes. This was the best time among cars with an internal combustion engine at the time of the test.
- What are Praga’s future plans for the Bohema hypercar?
- Praga plans to showcase the Bohema at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to increase international interest and confidence in the hypercar. The company aims to expand its global presence and attract customers from various markets.
What are your thoughts on the Praga Bohema’s design and performance? Would you consider purchasing a hypercar from a relatively unknown manufacturer?
Share your opinions in the comments below and spread the word about this exciting Czech hypercar!