Praga Bohema Becomes Fastest Pure Combustion Car Around Top Gear Track

The Bohema hypercar, from Czech manufacturer Praga, has become the fastest ever production pure combustion road car to lap the former Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, UK. Setting a 1:09.8 time at the former Top Gear circuit, the Praga Bohema hypercar was driven to the circuit and then came within the blink of an eye of the time set by the 1,140 bhp hybrid Aston Martin Valkyrie earlier this year – demonstrating the capabilities of Praga’s lightweight (1,000 kg), 700 bhp, race-bred road-legal hypercar. 

Driven by ex-Stig Ben Collins on standard road tyres, the Praga Bohema demonstrated how its combination of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre construction, 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, race-bred suspension, and carbon ceramic brakes combine to produce a formidable road and track package.

Ben Collins, ex-Stig and Praga test driver: “Setting such a fast time on regular road tyres was such a thrill. I knew the Bohema would be fast, but the track’s tight turns and short straights are not ideal for a car that lives and breathes downforce. It shows how potent the mix of lightweight engineering, great aerodynamics, and pure combustion can be – even up against hybrid hypercars from established brands with more than 1,000 horsepower. The owners taking delivery of their Bohema at Goodwood are in for the time of their lives as their new cars take to the Hill!”

The VBox-verified 1:09.8 lap time follows production car testing and customer drives so far in 2025 at Spa, Nürburgring, Zandvoort, and the Red Bull Ring. Completed on regular road tyres the achievement is all the more remarkable as Ben Collins also drove the car to the circuit. With the VBox telemetry fitted, Ben simply unpacked his race suit and helmet from the car’s side storage pods, warmed the street tyres and took to the track.

Ben Collins: “We probably only did half a dozen hot laps in the time available, but with VBox timing I could see my purple sectors were looking good – if I had put together the perfect lap, we would have been at the top of the list. But, fastest ever pure-petrol road car at the first attempt is a pretty good result too. I look forward to showing the crowds at Goodwood just what the car is capable of.”

Next challenge for the Praga Bohema: Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb

The Top Gear track achievement came as the 118-year-old Czech brand announced a triple customer car handover at the forthcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. The first Bohema customer car delivery happened in December in the Netherlands, while the Goodwood handovers will see owners fly in from around the world – including the first US owner – to take delivery and enjoy a thrilling ride up the Goodwood Hill.

As well as piloting the Bohema hypercar at the iconic event, Praga test driver and ambassador, Ben Collins, will join Praga Cars owner, Tomas Kasparek and the Praga team to hand over three new customer cars during the Goodwood weekend. As part of the UK car’s release, GF Williams – one of the world’s most celebrated car photographers – produced a stunning set of shots of a purple Praga Bohema as well as getting exclusive access to Goodwood House.

Every Bohema is hand built in the Czech Republic to the owner’s exact specification with each model featuring unique colours and trim details. Prospective customers can find out more and order their car at PragaGlobal.com or contact Praga at sales@pragacars.com. ​​