Back at Dunsfold for the EXCLUSIVE reveal: Praga BOHEMA !!!
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- Опубліковано 22 лис 2022
- This car takes the vehicle design rule book and lights a bonfire with it. Less power.. less gadgets.. advanced, yet simple technology.. and LESS WEIGHT. Yes - the elephant in the room for the past ten years has been that Hypercars and Supercars have been getting heavier and heavier and heavier.
Welcome back to the future with the Bohema - a Hypercar developed in secret by Praga, the Czech manufacturer I've been racing with for the last two years. It weighs in at just 982 Kilos and produces about the same weight in downforce from 160 mph.
It was a real trip down memory lane going back to Dunsfold after all these years.. from the security gate, past the fighter-jet-on-a-stick and down to the dilapidated Top Gear cabin. The HQ looked as apocalyptic as ever but Dunsfold Park has undergone some kind of renaissance. It has facilities.. It even has a private members club at the Ledmore..
As for the track, it was like slipping into an old Stig leather glove. Some of the circuit markings have worn away but I found my way around alright, and faster than my last run there in the Bugatti Veyron Supersport. The Bohema handles differently to any road car I’ve driven before.
Firstly, you can drive it without mercy until you run out of fuel.. for consecutive laps. And the brakes don’t overheat and the tyres don’t suffer.. because the car is so light and built for speed.
Secondly, you can enter a corner with nearly maximum brake and it will still turn and still stop. That took me some getting used to because normally you really have to separate braking and entering, but not with this car.
Looks wise you be the judge. In Stig white it looks angry and just screams at you to be driven hard.. and boy is it fun to drive. For the lucky few who end up owning one of these beasties, their oyster will be the Alps or any twisting pass that lets this Bohema get down to business.
I forgot to mention.. This car is unashamedly ICE-powered by a 3.8 litre twin-turbo - the Nissan GTR unit developed by Praga in conjunction with Litchfield. It was surprisingly efficient on fuel, another benefit of being light, and the power output in the production model will be 700bhp. A reliable, pliable power-giver.
You may not have heard of Praga before but they’ve been making cars since 1907 and something tells me that their name will be hot on the lips of quite a few board directors of the major manufacturers when news breaks of what they achieved here. I hope you enjoy the film :) - Авто та транспорт
Why Ben hasn't been tapped to host a show is completely beyond my comprehension. Absolute class and quality.
Because nobody respects an unprofessional.
@@Kronos0999 that's a bit harsh mate.
@@DAGATHire But true. Been 12 years and his greatest achievement is that he ousted himself as a Stig. Everyone knew there was a man behind the helmet, nobody actually believed he was an alien, but the world loved the idea. Ben outed himself and everyone in the entertainment industry saw him as the unprofessional who sold out for cash. Literally nobody has hired him for anything since, only UA-camrs do an occasional vid and that too, still using Stig.
@@Kronos0999 I mean that's one way to see it and im not going to say you are wrong.
But there is also trying to see it from his side which is quite compelling also.
And indeed after 12 bloody years it hardly matters
@@DAGATHire Entertainment industry never forgets.
His side? That he was hired to do a job and then it got famous and so he just decided to show his face? It's like those kids in a play who remove their masks to show everyone who is really on stage because they're afraid
Some say the reason Stig was mute is because the other presenters didn’t want him outclassing them.
So eloquent Ben, a presentation put together as nicely as the way you drive.
Nice! 😎
All we know is that was a great comment
As a Czech I am amazed at the quality of that beast! So much potential power wise!
Také jsem po dlouhé době náležitě pyšnej na CŘ!
"So much potential power wise."
Yes. However, it seems more than a handful as is.
@@sonicstep I've got the 'bug'. Once you get used to a certain power level, it's hard to not want more! Especially if the potential is there.
be good to see it top the power lap list ;)
@@BenCollinsDrives Absolutely, you are the man to get it there.
This is one of the most engaging and thrilling rides I've watched lately. Fierce, powerful, no-nonsense racing prowess. Well done Praga!
Very nice. Very very nice.
Hopefully at least one of them will race professionally in a racing series.
If you have the money, you're a race car driver and you're reading this buy one of those fast before some rich guy does it and will end up collecting dust in his garage collection.
ive been following jimmy broadbent, an iRacer who was asked to race in the real Praga leagues, so ive had a little taste of those little actual race cars. it's awesome to see that tech spilling into this beautiful bit of art. fantastic
Some say he once mistook his helmet for his helmet, and that he carves his initials on every car he drives.
All we know is he's called Ben Collins (the stig)
😂
With his helmet ?
@@hotf00t13 🍄🍆........😅😂
@@hotf00t13yeah, easy mistake.
What an epic machine! The nostalgia of seeing you rip around that track brings a tear as a strong reminder of some great memories watching you and the trio!
Great stuff as always Ben
thank you! It was awesome being back and with a team I know so well too
@@BenCollinsDrives Congrats mate! So awesome to see you representing Praga and displaying this incredible machine.
I was a bit sad at the end though. I really hope biofuels and hydrogen cell tech become a common source of fuel. Mechanical engines just sound so good. 👍
@@BenCollinsDrives The video quality is good. You explain your thoughts pretty well and its not boring hearing you at all. Very good work. I would like to see some vids of you with the old top gear aproach to add to the mix as well.
it's crazy to finally watch someone on UA-cam who can really drive a car and it's so visible from the cockpit shots! With that said the quality of the overall video is top notch as well!
thank you - lads at Centric do a superb job, glad you liked it
Randy Pobst would like to have a word with you....... O.o
Dude you're already magnificent having your own show as a reviewer. Keep it up. Best Stig and a great showman as a reviewer 💪🏻
This bloke should have a few million subscribers - such quality - but like any youtube channels, got to do the hard slog in the weeds for a year or so - wish you every success
Makes me feel proud to be Czech. What an incredible machine!
If you are even in Brno, visit the Museum of Technology. One of the finest museums in the world. Extensive collection of Czech cars, motorcycles, MIG engines, player pianos, and much more.
I wish Canada would make me proud again
I'm glad your people are getting credit for once. Your two strikes from the old days are so fun to tinker with. The gears are always so perfectly meshed even after decades
@@kentbettsAnd the big steam engine (but it sadly does not operate on live steam)
Love seeing Ben back at Dunsfold!!
Nice to see a proper, old school car. No ridiculous tech, no heavy hybrid system, no fragile electronic systems beyond what's needed. Nice.
I adore that they went with the VR38DETT for the powerplant. The aftermarket options for the power are epic! I can't imagine the deathtrap you could create by throwing an AMS billet motor and turning up the wick a bit. Epic piece of kit that I think will be a great contender with the other hyper track cars out there.
Its a great motor - personally I would stick with whatever Praga deem "standard" in this car
More isn't always better,if you do more than straight line.
@@BenCollinsDrives agree, I read on Praga's website that Litchfield is able to tune the engine over 1000hp. That's getting to 1hp/1kg including the driver's weight and all fluids, bonkers.
@@geuros send the engine to JM imports in Newcastle ,they doing 2000+ bhp,they build all the big power GTRs,probs spoil this car with that kind of power tho 😂
@@royclarke8455 haha, I'm not in the market though, way over my budget. That being said though, do you know a place in Europe that specializes in n/a builds? I'd be more curious about tuning my Jeep V8 but keeping it naturally aspirated - cams, lifters, all that stuff
it was like watching THE version of Top Gear with the most competent and knowledgeable presenter.....theres untapped talent with the Ben Collins....cant wait for a lap time in this new car
We need to see A LOT more of Mr. Collins’ reviews.
Ah Ben I didn't know you were the stig! I googled you and learned of your credentials and experience. Thanks for all the top gear memories. This vid makes me nostalgic for the old days. I'm glad the Czechs are getting credit for being good engineers for once too, they have long deserved it.
New Subscriber here Ben.
Love this channel.
No hand clapping, no arm waving, no unnecessary overemphasis. And no clickbait. Just a man who knows what he's talking about.
Thank you Mr Collins for a real top shelf video. All best wishes from West Oz.
I've never seen the Stig talk so much during his drives. It's so refreshing to see him again behind the wheel, doing what he does best. Great job!
Watching Ben tear up the Top Gear track in this gorgeous piece of engineering made my week. I wholeheartedly agree with the gentlemen below that Ben should be hosting a show.
What an astonishing car
Genuinely love it when engineers look at something and go... I think we can do it better. And pull it off.
Taking engines from other vehicles, tuning it their way squeezing everything possible out of it, creating a better body for it, and revealing something beautiful that can out perform everything else around it.
LOVE IT!
Top quality review Ben, as good as the best!
Ben was the shows best star. Now let's give it to the stig.
Side profile is absolutely mesmerizing. Love the stance such an aggressive beast.
Well done Praga and congratulations to Iain Litchfields team for the work on the project
It’s amazing to see my home country making this beautiful masterpiece. I never saw it coming but I’m proud of my country.
Back in the old days there were some real gems coming out of what is now your Czech republic. Be proud man, you have a rich engineering history despite those duckhead commies strangling alot of it
Now you're talking. Every car should be built with that philosophy as a basis then leave gadgets and bloat as options for customers. It's a tight purpose-built speed machine with full aero and they STILL managed to squeeze in adjustable seats, pedal boxes and steering wheel for rake and reach. Talk about priorities being sorted! And what a surprise regarding the engine choice! I thought it sounded like a V6 but did not see that coming. A well-proven engine refined over a long production run built in pretty high numbers. It's just so pragmatic. Well played, Praga.
Another Level Ben 🔥🔥🔥
What a MACHINE 😍 Congrats PRAGA 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
It was an honor to be able to shake Your hand today. Thanks for the short conversation.
I still owe U 5 ;) - Next time i hope;))
Best Wishes Adam
Uncle Rich and Stevon sent me here, and I'm glad they did! You rock Ben!!
Such a great to see You back without the white helmet! You were my teenager hero in the "white suit". This video is then very special for me, because I'm from Czech Republic and this probably is the first time I'm proud of the car made in Czech Republic (all others are just mostly Skodas and I'm not a fan of it). The hero meets another hero. What a great moment! I can't thank you enough. It feels so special for me now. Like the best from all car world on one place. Thanks many many times
You should be proud these guys @ Praga are real deal - I love em
Sund4ence, you don't know what you talking about. Praga Grand, Praga AV, Aero 30, Aero 50 dynamic, Tatra 57, Tatra 87, Tatra 600, Tatra 603, Tatra 700, Tatra MTX, Skoda 1100 OHC, Skoda 1200 GT, Skoda Tudor, Skoda 130 RS, Skoda Felicia VR6, Octavia WRC... I can continue all day long. Learn your stuff boy..
@@pavolbabony1740 I know but cars you named are from the past… nothing special what would amaze the world in last 20-30 years I’m afraid.
Yeah, that is funny one you don't want to dig in. Since we got freedom we cannot build proper cars.
náhodou za mě tatry (starší 77, 87, 603 apod. jsou naporosto skvělé a bezchybné auta) z novějších se nedá zapomenout tatra 613 ve všech verzích a variantách, samozřejmě i tatra 700 musela být skvělá ale o ni moc nevím jen to že si ji každej chválil. Hrozná škoda jak to dopadlo s osobákama tatra. Škoda nikdy nesehala tatře ani po blatníky
Tohle se nám povedlo 🇨🇿😌
yes
Think about how much amazing commentary we missed out on because the Stig had to be silent. Looking back, a high price for that running gag.
Great video, incredible driving, and beautifully shot and edited!
Thanks so much for years of entertainment and sheer exhilaration watching you somehow cart those gigantic testes around that track at incredible speed.
This is such a beautiful video. Takes me back to the Top Gear days. Amazing Ben !
Absolutely brilliant. I'm so glad you're getting the production quality you deserve. I'm sure you have a bright future as an auto journalist ahead. Nice to see you back at home, too
Being a huge top gear fan, the stig era being the golden years, this is a wonderful thing to see. There was hint of a stopwatch suggesting lap times, I’d love to see some of the hyper cars from the past 10 years go round the track and continue the the legendary time board. ❤
Amazing drive .. dare i say nostalgic!!
I miss thè ol days!!
I can’t imagine a tuned version of this. Imagine one of those 1000+ horsepower tunes in a quick chassis.
Rich sent me, you're a cool guy Ben and I've been binging your channel
As a proud citizen of Czech republic have to say Thank you for this video Sir.
Absolutely signing all you said about weight. One cleaver man once said "Add power, you will be faster on the straights. Remove weight and you'll be faster everywhere." :)
Much appreciated
Wow... Amazing car. Looks stunning in Blue. There will be some very lucky owners of this Praga BOHEMA...
Some say Ben Collins also knows his instruments: "Perfect for carrying a french horn..." This old music teacher was laughing because the case's odd shape DOES look a bit like a french horn case! Really enjoying your content, Ben!
Really well produced review, very professional! Been needing a channel like this for a while. Amazing car too!
More videos like this please Mr Stig!! Love it!! 😄👌🏻
“Some say……” “All we know is HE’S CALLED THE STIG!”
I have to say, it felt like watching the older top gear again. Awesome job, mate.
Watching The Stig, I mean Ben, drive and probe this vehicle’s limits is epic. His ability to ascertain the car’s attributes so succinctly helps covey the experience. Thank you
As soon as I saw 'Ben Collins Drives' and 'Dunsfold' I was like 'I'm in'. The Legend drives The Legend....again.
You are my childhood hero and still my current hero thank you for making my childhood amazing in top gear ❤
Fantastic to see you on the old top gear track again👍👍
Thank you Carwow for plugging this channel 👏
Great to see you at the wheel. Amazing to watch. Loved your work on top gear and everything since. Keep up the great work, Ben!
Using the engine of the gtr was the best move ever!
Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
A very Top Gearesque video, nostalgia all around. Great video.
Wow that was brilliant. Ben has taken the skill of driving and turned it into an art form, and he is the artist of all artist. The master of his profession. After all he was the Stig!!!...👍🙂👍
What a beautiful peice of engineering!
Why Ben is not presenting a car show on tv is beyond me
This looks like something straight out of the early era of Top Gear and whilst him being on that show without the helmet would be a bit strange .....he totally fits
i love that tech from the praga motorsport cars is being used in this road legal monster. it's beautiful, and insanely quick. excellent
Well done Praga, put a smile on Mr. Collins' face. Very effective, and also easy on the eyes.
2:55 The Stig is back at home :)
This is absolutely spectacular. Looks like a proper artwork, sounds like one and is mindblowingly fast without cooking the tires in 4 laps like Bugatti. What a machine!
Glad you like it!
Ben is so great infront of the camera! I can't wait to watch this. Already love it.
It reminds me of the Caparo T1. A more refined, less terrifying to drive caparo. Well, when i say less terrifying. Ben is just making it look easy 😂
Great to see the best "Stig" back at Dunsfold. Seriously don't know why no-one has grabbed Ben for a motoring programme
Just love this guy. Thank you BEN
Love the video and Bohema and waiting for the next one with a stopwatch. Helmets on the shelve took me down memory lane of watching Topgear. Love, health, happiness, and respect from Bharat(aka India). Have a good day. Namaskar.🙏
Wow, that car looks stunning in blue. 👍
Great to see a car with the Chapman philosophy in amongst today’s tech laden heavyweights. Looking forward to seeing more of this car. Great video Ben, by the way really enjoyed your books, had the audio versions on in the car recently.
Ben is the man!! Always worth watching 👏👏
DE-LISCOUS!! LOVE THE CHEEKY DEBUT TOO, WELL DONE PRAGA
Absolutely brilliant. One handed drifts, coolness. Thanks dude.
that's the first time I Ben seriously looking at the road with a worried look, looks like that car is a total weapon :)
Ben welcome home you truly know how to push each car to its limits only if you spoken as the stig. Because you explain the car so well to
Awesome car, Ben. Does Praga have any plans to field a race team? That should be fun to watch- the dynamic between the "heavies" and the lightweight would be awesome to behold. Btw, for a long time- about the entire history of automobiles and trucks, the Czechs have been turning out exceptional vehicles. The Iron Curtain nearly ended all the innovation and advanced work as the Soviets repurposed so many old companies and their employees into making weapons rather than great truck or whatever. Glad to see the light of day and that innovative spirit and habit are still alive and well.
Thank you Mr.Collins for bringing me quality car videos to watch
Wow!!!! That is gorgeous!!!! They did a fenominal job designing that car!!!! Thx for the drive too!!!
That's the most exciting car review I've watched for a VERY LONG TIME ................absolute mastery of driving. Amazing. Thank you.
"České zvíře" the czech beast. We are normally known for beer, drugs, a simple life and lighthearted women. But Praga shows that we can also do differently. Very proud of that car. A Škoda is ok, but the Bohema is love on wheels.
More of this please!
What an absolutely stunning car. Absolutely love it. Thanks Ben!
Great production quality… great story. Thanks Ben!
Ben Collins the one and only true STIG!!! So happy I saw you on carwow and now following your channel.
Great reviews, thanks Ben Collins AKA the Stig
Excellent brief and drive of this monster Ben . Not many drivers can deliver fast speed and commentary as well as you m8 . Congrats on a great review 👍🏽
Bring on part 2!
Awesome video as usual 😁.
Great to see you on your own channel, the editing is well put together, and Praga is an Awesome supercar. Great to see you tearing up Dunsfold Ttrack. Thanks for the Memories Ben (The Stig ) Collins 🧑🏻🦱👍🏻🏎🏎🏁🏁
0:48
In 1907 we were still Austria-Hungary and became Czechoslovakia right after the first World War when the empire collapsed. That was 11 years later.
Now that was like stepping back in time. Thank you for giving me 12.28 of some old school TG..
Looks like a piece of art. Amazing looking car.
Great video, can't wait for the follow up.
Goosebumps for 12mins, awesome!!!
This was Fantastic to watch and weirdly nostalgic. Super awesome to see. Only thing that could make this any better is a proper top gear style lap ‘round the track with familiar Clarkson commentary, and that little tease at the end gives me a lick of hope 👀
Incredible video
I would have loved to see a video like this in addition to every single Top Gear run for the Stig.
Well done Ben. I always knew you should have been doing this after Top Gear. Nice to see you are a better presenter than your former colleagues. Now you need your own tv show!
Great job Ben. I had questions early and you answered them all in the film. Looks like you enjoyed yourself.
That was wild. Wild car, wild driving. I love it.
That was great fun to see you driving on the old circuit in that car 🙂😉👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍
A brilliant informing piece.
Proud to be Czech + automotosport racer/lover now! Thanx🤩