Last Wednesday Brabham Automotive finally unveiled their 1st all-new track car at Australia House in London. Picking Australia House was a great way to celebrate the company’s proud Anglo-Australian heritage. The Brabham BT62 is the result of David Brabhams hard work over many years to bring the Brabham name back to the Automotive world. The BT62 celebrates the tremendous success of multiple F1 champion, Sir Jack Brabham.
David Brabham who is the Managing Director of Brabham Automotive said at Wednesday’s launch,
“I set out twelve years ago to re-establish the iconic Brabham name, determined to see it return to global competition. My father had an incredible determination to succeed and, like him, I’ve worked tirelessly through this time, drawing on my experience as a racing driver, leader and mentor, never once losing sight of that goal. It’s been challenging at times, but what we have achieved is simply staggering. Today’s unveiling makes me feel incredibly proud as the Brabham legacy enters a new era.”
To me I think the BT62 looks epic, Brabham’s design team have pencilled a striking design. Everything looks in proportion, but its design is more than looks, it's all about going as fast as possible and winning races at the same time.
Brabham Automotive’s Director of Technology and Engineering, Paul Birch said that at the launch,
“Created from a blank sheet of paper, our first car takes Brabham into an exciting new era, whilst honouring and upholding the marque’s glorious past. Using contemporary materials, processes and technologies, and following a rigorous two-year engineering and development programme, the resulting BT62 is a car that demands total engagement and commitment from its driver, delivering immense reward and satisfaction.”
What’s also amazing about this whole story is the BT62 will be manufactured right here in Australia. Personally, I thought BT62 would be built in the UK or the USA. It's going to be produced at a 15,000-square metre facility in Adelaide’s Edinburgh Parks industrial estate.
David said in a recent interview with Wheels Mag that Brabham Automotive has aspirations to build a road car somewhere down the track, but for now, the BT62 is a track focused car. Their future goal is to compete in WEC and the Le Mans 24hr with the BT62.
David Brabham testing out the BT62 at Phillip Island
David also revealed in the Wheels Mag article that it was Fusion Capital who helped David achieve his vision. If you're asking what Fusion Capital do, there an investment fund from Adelaide. So we have thank Fusion Capital for believing in Davids vision to bring the Brabham brand back.
The BT62 test mule getting put through its paces at Phillip Island
The great thing about this project was its secrecy over the last two years, somehow Brabham Automotive stayed under the radar while the BT62 was developed in Australia. Brabham Automotive did a lot of their testing and development at the Phillip Island GP circuit in Victoria. When it comes to new vehicles, most car companies do their testing at the Nürburgring.
Also announced at the unveiling, Michelin is now the official tyre supplier and technical partner for Brabham Automotive. This collaboration will pay dividends in the coming years when Brabham Automotive decides to complete in WEC or the Le Mans 24hr.
This Colour scheme is inspired by the F1 Brabham BT52 from 1983
As mentioned in over the last few weeks, only 70 BT62 will be made. Brabham also advised that the first 35 vehicles that role of the production line will be painted in colour schemes similar to their 35 individual F1 winning cars. The colour schemes are fantastic, and it's a great way the company can pay tribute to its past victories.
This Colour scheme is inspired by the F1 Brabham BT46B "fan car" from 1978
Now, as I've said in previous blogs, I've had a vested interest in the return of Brabham going right back to the Project Brabham Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in 2014. I was one of the original contributors to the campaign because I wanted to see the return of Brabham.
Project Brabham Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign back in 2014.
Little did I know at the time, that the crowdfunding campaign would be the catalyst for Fusion Capital reaching out to David Brabham. There meeting would ultimately lead to the creation of Brabham Automotive and BT62. But the cherry on the cake for me is the BT62 will be manufactured right here in the land down under.
After all the doom and gloom over the last few years with Holden, Ford and Toyota closing their factories down. The Australian Automotive Manufacturing industry now has Brabham Automotive leading the way. I'm a proud Aussie, and I've always been an advocate for buying Aussie stuff. So when you combine Australian Made and the name Brabham, then I'm excited and optimistic about the future for the Australian Auto Industry.
One of the biggest Automotive Youtubers in the world Shmee150 was also at the unveiling last week.
Personally, I'd like to say congratulations and well done to David Brabham; I'm sincerely happy for you and your team. I can't wait to see what happens next.
BT62 SPECS:
• Body: -- 2-Door, 2 Seat Coupe
• Drive: -- Rear Wheel
• Engine: -- Brabham 5.4l V8, 32 valve, quad cam engine
• Bore/Stoke: -- 94mm x 97mm
• Compression: -- 10.5:1
• Power: -- 710ps (700bhp, 522kW) @ 7400rpm
• Torque: 667 Nm (492 ft/lb) @ 6200 rpm
• Power/Weight: -- 730ps per tonne
• Transmission: -- 6 speed Holinger motorsport sequential
• Weight: -- 972kg (dry)
• Suspension (F): -- Double wishbone, 4 way adjustable Ohlins TTX dampers with coilover springs, Adjustable anti-roll bar
• Suspension (R): -- Double wishbone, 4 way adjustable Ohlins TTX dampers with coilover springs, Adjustable anti-roll bar
• L/W/H: -- 4460/1950/1200mm
• Wheelbase: -- 2695mm
• Tracks: -- 1649/1597mm (f/r)
• Steering: -- Electronic power assisted steering with adjustable assistance levels
• Brakes (F): -- 380mm ventilated Carbon on carbon discs, Brembo Carbon 6 piston caliper
• Brakes (R): -- 355mm ventilated Carbon on carbon discs, Brembo Carbon 6 piston caliper
• Wheels: -- 18.0 x 11 inch (f): 18.0 x 13 inch
• Tyres Sizes: -- 270/65 R18 (f): 310/71 R18
• Tyre: -- Michelin competition slick and wet weather tyres
• Price: -- £1million or $1.8million AUD
All Images © Copyright 2018 Brabham Automotive Ltd
Website: https://www.brabhamautomotive.com/
Project Brabham: http://www.brabham-digital.com/
Missed Car Hamlet articles/blogs of the Brabham BT62:
• https://www.carhamlet.com/news/brabham-bt62-cost-revealed
• https://www.carhamlet.com/news/2018/4/20/new-brabham-bt62-imag
• https://www.carhamlet.com/news/brabham-bt62-updat
• https://www.carhamlet.com/news/brabham-automotive
References:
• https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/interview-how-the-brabham-bt62-supercar-came-to-be