Ex-Stig Ben Collins Returns To Top Gear Track In 700HP Praga Bohema Supercar
Ben Collins is more than familiar with the old Top Gear test track at Dunsfold
The former Top Gear Stig, Ben Collins, has set the fastest production pure combustion road car lap at the Dunsfold Test Track in the Praga Bohema supercar. Collins set a remarkable time of 1:09:84, narrowly missing the Aston Martin Valkyrie's time of 1:09.70. With a dry curb weight of just 2,300 lbs (1,000kg) paired with a 3.8-liter V6 twin-turbo engine producing 700 bhp and 725Nm of torque, the Bohema is an impressive feat of engineering.
In July, Collins will be involved in the handover for three customer cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Ben Collins, ex-Stig and Praga test driver said: 'Setting such a fast time at Dunsfold on regular road tyres was such a thrill. I knew the Bohema would be fast, but Dunsfold's tight turns and short straights are not ideal for a car that lives and breathes downforce. It shows how potent the mix of lightweight engineering, great aerodynamics, and pure combustion can be – even up against hybrid hypercars from established brands with more than 1,000 bhp. The owners taking delivery of their Bohema at Goodwood are in for the time of their lives as their new cars take to the Hill!'
From all angles the Bohema is an incredible piece of art
Praga is a Czech manufacturer that has been building vehicles for nearly 120 years. The world of supercars is a new area for the business but the Bohema's performance speaks for itself. Collins' lap time was completed on a set of road tires and he even drove to the circuit in the Bohema ahead of the track session.
Collins said: 'We probably only did half a dozen hot laps in the time available, but with VBox timing I could see my purple sectors were looking good – if I had put together the perfect lap, we would have been at the top of the list. But, the fastest ever pure-petrol road car at the first attempt is a pretty good result too. I look forward to showing the crowds at Goodwood just what the car is capable of.'
The fastest lap time at Dunsfold is held by a Renault R24 at 0:59:00
While the Bohema is road legal, it's designed to excel on the track with its racing-focused suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. The supercar can achieve 62mph from a standstill in under three seconds and produces 1,984lbs (900kg) of downforce at 155mph. Although it doesn't achieve the fastest top speed for a car of this class, the Bohema will still take your breath away when it tops out at 197mph.
Tomas Kasparek, Praga Cars Owner said: 'I was delighted to see the time Bohema achieved at Dunsfold. It confirms the top level of performance capabilities of the car and it underlines its potential. More than the impressive number on the stopwatch, this highlights the incredible effort made by the whole team – and, of course, Ben's super driving skills. I'm extremely proud.'
Ben Collins getting ready to take on Dunsfold
Following the delivery of the first production model to a customer in the Netherlands in December, Praga will take three customer cars to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. The handovers will see the first US owner take delivery of their new car and include an opportunity for the three new recipients to ride up the iconic Goodwood hill climb.
Kasparek added: 'The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the best place in the world to hand over our Bohema supercars to our new clients. We've enjoyed working with our customers this spring, especially Herman van der Pavert, the owner of the first Bohema production car. As a new brand in the supercar market, every one of our customers is hugely important to us so, as we share the journey with them, we seek out ways to demonstrate our appreciation. I hope they enjoy going up the hill with Ben and that all the fans enjoy the spectacle with us.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
After 15 Years, the 2026 Nissan Leaf Is Finally Cool
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Nissan is turning over a new Leaf. (Sorry, I had to do it.) The 2026 version is unrecognizable from its predecessor, and it hits US dealers this fall. The 15-year-old hatchback is now more "SUV-like," as Nissan describes it. It has a solid 303-mile range, a Tesla-backed NACS port for Supercharging, dual 14.3-inch displays, and an available panoramic roof. "We have completely reconstructed the values of the next-generation Leaf," says Tase Nobutaka, program design director at Nissan. "We made it simple and clean, yet with a more energetic feeling. We ensured the all-new Leaf has a dynamic shape, testing it time and time again to reach our ambitious aerodynamic targets." It has not one but two charge ports, a unique strategy that gives drivers more options. It has a Level 2 port (J1772) on the driver's side for home charging. A second port on the passenger's side will work at Tesla Superchargers, which are only found in public and charge at a much faster rate. "The combination of J1772 for AC charging and NACS for DC charging provides our customers with access to the largest number of chargers," a Nissan spokesperson tells us. "Because there was not much time between signing Nissan's agreement with [Tesla for] NACS and when Leaf production began, we chose to move forward with dual ports in order to deliver the most abundant charging options possible (within that rather tight timeframe). We will, of course, continue to adjust for future models." The 2026 Leaf is the first Nissan to have sleek, "motorized flush front door handles" and is the first in its class to have a dimmable panoramic roof, Nissan says, though that one will almost certainly require an upgrade. The car comes in a range of "bold color choices" to complete its transformation from an old standby to a fashion-forward option. It's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and has four USB-C ports sprinkled throughout. We've been speculating about the death of the Leaf as we know it since 2023, and it's great to see that Nissan revived it instead. The beloved car may have been among the first to popularize EVs, but hasn't kept up with modern design or technology trends. Case in point: It still has an outdated CHAdeMO charge port. But importantly, it's been the only electric car on the market below $30,000. We don't know the price of the new Leaf, but all signs point to it being above $30,000. The goal is to bring it up to modern standards, which includes pricey upgrades like sensors and cameras to enable self-driving assistive software. The new Leaf "represents the best of Nissan EV technology," Nissan says. It'll be hard to upstage the Nissan Ariya, however, which has all the modern technology—even an optional camera feed rear-view mirror. Nissan may have decided that deeper-pocketed customers are more likely to buy an EV, but we'll see how the final price looks in a few months. One nugget in Nissan's announcement hints that a cheaper version is on the way. A smaller battery pack option (52kWh compared to 75kWh) arrives in spring 2026. That's slightly larger than the 40kWh pack on the Leaf today. It will also have less horsepower (175hp compared to 214), giving "EV drivers a choice in the amount of driving range and value they desire," Nissan says.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Petrol and diesel cars can last 400,000 miles more with small changes
A top mechanic says petrol and diesel cars could last up to 400,000 miles with small changes. Scotty Kilmer, a mechanic who regularly goes viral on YouTube, has shared his expertise with road users and drivers via his vlog. Scotty said: 'You're driving down a road and you step on the gas and your car doesn't accelerate right, what could be wrong? 'Well it could be a lot of things but check the simple things, make sure your air filter is clean. Make sure you're spark plugs aren't worn out, these are easy to check, they just pop off and you can get right to them. READ MORE: Drivers who step foot in car on Thursday morning are risking £2,000 fine READ MORE: Everyday driving manoeuvre set to be banned in part of UK READ MORE New UK heatwave set to hit next week with 22 counties in England roasted 'Make sure your mass air flow sensor is good, in this case it's been replaced so it's not that. You could also have a bad oxygen sensor but you can see this one's new too, it's all shiny. 'It could also be a catalytic converter that's starting to clog up, if that's the case your temperature gauge will run slightly high and you'll lose acceleration. 'So if you're lucky you just need an air filter or speaker plugs or have to clean the mass airflow sensor. Press one of those.' In reply, a viewer said: "Some people don't even get oil changes and wonder why their car is a pile of heaping garbage." "I had an acceleration problem in my 04 Camry 186k miles and my car felt like it jumped when I pressed on the gas…I cleaned my throttle body and it runs like a dream now," a second said. A third typed: "Hello Scotty , I appreciate all the professional advice and the money that you've saved me over the years ! Thank you brother and God bless you and your family for generations to come." Another said: "Scotty... I refurbished many a car from the 30s 40s 50s but you are the best source on the Tube for me. "Love the no nonsense videos you put out. Keep them coming. Everything I see you do here is mechanically professional. "The tricks, tips, and knowledge are like a college education in surviving when you own a car. Great Stuff..."
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Subsidiary in Mexico: SOUEAST Debuts S06 i-DM, S07, S09, Pushes Advanced New Energy Tech
MEXICO CITY, June 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 18, 2025, at the grand brand and products launch ceremony in Centro Citibanamex, Mexico, SOUEAST announced its entry to Mexican market and unveiled three new models, attracting wide attention, signaling a significant breakthrough in SOUEAST's Latin American expansion. SOUEAST, true to the "EASE YOUR LIFE" philosophy, is dedicated to urban mobility with stylish, comfort, and warm-tech at its core. SOUEAST offers a diverse range of models — including SUVs and sedans — specifically designed for urban youth.(Image 1: SOUEAST Brand Launch in Mexico) Three Prominent Models Debut: Meeting Diverse Mobility NeedsAt this launch ceremony, SOUEAST introduced three urban-focused models with both fuel and hybrid power types as follows: The S06 i-DM, an urban stylish C-class hybrid SUV, focuses on sporty aesthetics and high efficiency. With its hybrid capabilities and outstanding range, its head-turning contemporary design houses advanced hybrid technology, delivering an impressive 114 km pure electric range and a combined range of over 1,000 km when fully fueled, fully meeting the diverse needs of young people for daily commuting and urban traffic congestion in Mexico. It enhances the driving experience with intelligent features including L2 autonomous driving capabilities and comprehensive smart safety systems.(Image 2: SOUEAST S06 i-DM) The S07, an urban intelligent C-class SUV, skillfully combines practicality and style for urban trendy and fun-loving youth. Beyond its stylish design and comfortable interior, it delivers intelligent features including dual 12.3-inch screens, 6-way adjustable driver seat with memory, remote start and full ADAS, offering luxury-grade connectivity and safety. The S09, a flagship smart premium D-class SUV, redefines spacious luxury with its commanding 4,858*1,925*1,780mm dimensions and 2,850mm wheelbase. Its 7-seat version catering specifically to multi-passenger needs. Powered by a robust 2.0T engine, it caters to urban users with its aesthetic design, intelligent driving, and luxurious features, embodying the brand's high standards.(Image 3: SOUEAST S07 and S09) Each model in the lineup embodies SOUEAST's "STYLISH-COMFORT-WARM TECH" product DNA, seamlessly integrating innovative technology and exceptional quality, to meet diverse urban mobility needs with EASE. Promoting Comprehensive Localized OperationsRegarding the long-term development plan for the Mexican market, SOUEAST adheres to the concept of "In Mexico, For Mexico" and promotes a comprehensive localized business strategy. In terms of network construction, the company plans to establish 40 showrooms by the end of 2025 and expand to 50 in 2026 in Mexico, building a convenient and efficient service network through a standardized service system. On the after-sales front, preparations are underway for a regional spare parts center for Latin America. This facility will ensure 100% parts availability and enable 24-hour delivery, ensuring rapid response to customer service needs. Meanwhile, the company actively promotes the establishment of the Central and South American Research Institute. Centered on localized product development, the institute aims to introduce models that are better aligned with the preferences and needs of Mexico customers. Driving a New Journey in Latin America: Leading the Future of Green MobilityThe Mexican subsidiary showcase SOUEAST's firm commitment to the Latin American market, bringing advanced new energy vehicle(NEV) technologies to Mexico. By offering smart, eco-friendly, and diverse mobility solutions for urban youth, SOUEAST is accelerating Mexico's green transition while expanding its global footprint, with plans to introduce more NEV models and reinforce its role in sustainable development worldwide. Since initiating its globalization strategy in 2024, SOUEAST has made continuous strides across key international markets. Following its global debut in Uzbekistan and rapid entry into multiple markets across the Middle East, the successful launch in Mexico marks another milestone in its growing global presence. To date, SOUEAST has entered more than 30 countries and regions, with over 144 sales and service outlets. Looking ahead, the brand aims to expand into more than 80 markets and establish over 2,000 outlets within five years—bringing the EASE Urban Lifestyle to users worldwide. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: CONTACT: Contact Person: Frida Fu Email: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
