Your driving position is set by adjusting the pedal box and tilting the ‘seat’, which is totally integrated into the car’s carbon tub, so it’s not hard to find a comfortable, confidence-inspiring base of operations. Lightly power-assisted steering also makes low-speed manoeuvring easier than you might be expecting.
As for the dynamics, we don’t get to push our Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R-shod prototype especially, but even at five-tenths it’s an all-encompassing machine, guttural and gritty, only without much in the way of fear factor. Just how forgiving it is at the limit is something we’ll find out, but Praga’s stated aim is to make his car adaptable to a range of skill levels, so maybe we shouldn’t expect something too spiky.
Q&A: Mark Harrison, CEO of Praga Cars UK
How expensive is the Bohema going to be to run?
“The running costs will be sensible, given the structure of the car, and this is a known powertrain. We’re working closely with Litchfield on an aftersales programme and part of that discussion is warranty, which will be two years and, in essence, unlimited mileage. Against a lot of the hypercars that are coming out at the moment, we’re keen that ours is seen as one that is predictable to run and maintain.”
Is the Bohema something of a loss-leading statement project for Praga?
“It’s being developed as a profitable business venture, though without a doubt, bringing a hypercar to market will stimulate interest in the race car market.”
Given it’ll take no shortage of skill for drivers to get the best out of the car, will any training be offered?
“Yes, we’ll do track programmes with the car, and one of the discussions we’re having with [brand ambassador] Romain Grosjean is how he can be involved in that. Joseph Kral, our chief test driver, would also like to be involved.
“With 1000 kilos and 700bhp, there’s a level of responsibility [involved from our side], but also, the company’s full of people who love motor racing, so there’s just a passion to see these cars on track and help customers get the most out of them. Track time at Spa [is under consideration] – the car deserves the best tracks in the world – but it’d also be nice to set up some programmes at the Slovakia Ring, just 2km from our development facility.”