Brabham BT62 hypercar revealed

Brabham Automotive has revealed its first model at the Australia House in London in the form of the BT62 hypercar. The 710hp track-only McLaren Senna rival has been priced at £1 million before taxes and options.

The limited-run BT62 is a track-only, rear-wheel-drive two-seater powered by a 5.4-litre naturally aspirated mid-mounted V8 quad-cam engine that produces 667Nm of torque. The car features carbonfibre body panels and weighs 972kg, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 730hp per tonne.

By comparison, the £750,000 McLaren Senna features a 800hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine and has a dry weight of 1,283kg, with a power-to-weight ratio of 670hp per tonne.

The BT62 is 4,460mm long and 1,950mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,695mm. It features substantial aerodynamics – including an adjustable rear wing that the firm claims produces more than 1,200kg of downforce – and has a 41/59 front-to-rear weight distribution. The power is delivered through a six-speed Holinger sequential gearbox, with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The car has 18-inch wheels at the front and rear, with Michelin competition tyres and six-piston carbon-on-carbon Brembo brakes. In keeping with its motorsport heritage, the BT62 features a six-point racing harness, removable carbonfibre steering wheel, a 125-litre fuel tank with quick-fill connectors and a built-in air jack system.

Run by former Formula 1 racer and Le Mans 24 Hours winner David Brabham – the son of triple world champion Sir Jack – the company claims it has a long-term phased product development plan and will manufacture "high-performance vehicles which challenge and reward the driver in equal measures", with an "ultimate goal" to compete in Le Mans 24 Hours.

The car’s name comes from the convention established by Sir Jack Brabham’s team – officially known as Motor Racing Developments, which won four F1 drivers’ and two makes’ championships during its 30-year history.

The BT62 will be limited to 70 cars to mark, according to the team, the 70 years since Jack Brabham began racing in Australia.

Owners will become members of a Brabham driver development programme designed to develop their “physical ability and determination” to the point where they can "fully exploit" the BT62’s performance.