FYI: The latest showdown at Top Gear’s test track sees Aston Martin Valkyrie up against Praga Bohema in an exciting battle for the fastest lap time.
The Race for Supremacy at Top Gear’s Test Track
In the high-octane world of supercars, lap times at Top Gear’s test track have long been the holy grail for car manufacturers. The relentless pursuit to clock the fastest lap has seen legendary names like the Ariel Atom, Bugatti Veyron, and Ferrari FXX vie for the top spot. Thanks to the recent revival of the "Stig Laps" series on YouTube, these battles wage on, drawing excitement from petrolheads worldwide.
Former Stig, Ben Collins, recently took on the challenge to outshine a near-record lap time of the Aston Martin Valkyrie set at 1:09.6. Behind the wheel of the lesser-known Czech supercar, the Praga Bohema, Collins blazed through the track at 1:09.8.
The Rise of Praga Bohema
The Praga Bohema, a Czech marvel, was tailored to deliver exceptional performance. Although it narrowly missed beating the Valkyrie, its presence on the track was formidable. This feat is even more striking given that the Valkyrie developed with input from Red Bull and Cosworth—a benchmark in automotive engineering.
Surprisingly, Collins managed to dive beneath the lap times of the renowned Ferrari 488 Pista, surpassing even the Ferrari SF90 and the Koenigsegg Jesko with just a handful of warm-up laps.
Specs Showdown: Aston Martin Valkyrie vs. Praga Bohema
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Aston Martin Valkyrie
- Engine: 6.5-L V12 + electric motor
- Power: 1,139 hp
- Torque: 682 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Less than 2.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 220 mph
- Weight: ~2,800 lbs (dry)
- Downforce: 2,425 pounds @ 137 mph
- Praga Bohema
- Engine: Twin turbo 3.8-L V6
- Power: 700 hp
- Torque: 535 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: Less than 3 seconds
- Top Speed: 197 mph
- Weight: ~2,164 lbs (dry)
- Downforce: 1,984 pounds @ 155 mph
This race is emblematic of a true David vs. Goliath battle. Despite the Bohema’s lower horsepower and fewer cylinders, its weight advantage and performance on the track defy expectations, especially when considering the price disparity—$3.5 million for the Valkyrie versus $1.4 million for the Bohema.
Ben Collins: A Contender with More to Prove
Although Collins didn’t reclaim the overall record, he established a new fastest lap for gas-only vehicles on the test track. It’s worth noting that the Valkyrie’s hybrid configuration contributes significantly to its performance edge.
In a post-race reflection, Collins hinted that the Bohema’s potential is far from fully realized. A simple choice, such as a different tire set, might edge the car closer—or beyond—the Valkyrie’s record.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
