Akmal Azhar
The Praga Bohema is not a car built for mass appeal, comfort, or luxury—it is built to thrill, to dominate racetracks, and to push its driver to the limit. Every detail of its engineering speaks to a single objective: create a machine that offers motorsport-level performance while being just legal enough to wear license plates. This is not an evolution of the supercar formula—it’s a statement against it.
Engine and Powertrain: Borrowed Power, Tuned for Violence
At the heart of the Bohema lies a familiar beast: the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 from the Nissan GT-R. But this is no off-the-shelf powerplant. In the hands of British tuning firm Litchfield, it’s been transformed into a dry-sump, high-revving powerhouse producing 700 bhp and 725 Nm of torque. The engine is mounted in a carbon rear cradle and mated to a Hewland six-speed sequential gearbox—light, brutally fast, and designed for competition. Shifts are mechanical and aggressive, especially under full load. In city conditions, it’s jerky and unforgiving. On a racetrack, however, it delivers an experience that’s raw and electric.
Chassis and Aerodynamics: Carbon-Fibre Obsession
Praga’s commitment to weight savings borders on obsession. The Bohema’s carbon monocoque chassis, carbon bodywork, and even carbon seat shells help keep the total weight down to an astonishing 982 kg. This lightweight structure, combined with full aerodynamic sculpting, creates a car that develops up to 900 kg of downforce at 155 mph—nearly equivalent to its own weight. The result is unshakeable high-speed grip and cornering that feels like it defies physics.
Track Performance: A New Standard for Road-Legal Cars
On track, the Bohema is more than fast—it’s ferocious. During testing on circuits like Autodrom Most and the Slovakia Ring, it consistently beat existing lap records for road-legal vehicles. At Slovakia Ring, it clocked in over four seconds quicker than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a car already known for its relentless pace. Every turn is met with clarity and bite. There’s no power steering, so feedback is immediate and unfiltered. There’s no traction control or ABS, so every lap is a test of skill and precision. This is driver engagement in its purest form.
Suspension and Handling: Precision on the Knife’s Edge
The Bohema rides on fully adjustable Öhlins dampers that allow for a surprisingly versatile suspension setup. While the ride is firm—as expected from a car this focused—it’s not punishing. On track, the suspension feels planted and composed, giving the driver absolute confidence through corners. On the road, it’s compliant enough to manage undulating surfaces, though the ride is still harsh by any normal measure. This duality is a rare achievement in a car so clearly bred for speed.
Interior and Ergonomics: Functional Minimalism
Inside, the Bohema’s cockpit is tight and purposeful. You don’t get luxury trim or infotainment screens here—only what’s needed to drive fast. The carbon bucket seats are molded and fixed, while the pedals, steering column, and digital instrument display adjust to the driver. There are minimal comforts: air conditioning, USB ports, a basic infotainment screen, and some storage behind the seats. A simple rotary dial and a strip of metal switches mounted to the roof control basic functions. It’s brutally minimal but cleverly thought out. If you need more than this, the Bohema isn’t for you.
On the Road: Street-Legal, but Barely
Yes, the Bohema is road-legal—but calling it a road car would be misleading. Driving it on public roads feels like wearing race boots to the supermarket. The sequential gearbox is tricky at low speeds, the turning radius is wide, and ingress/egress requires flexibility. Yet, once you’re on open roads or smooth expressways, the Bohema can be civilized enough to enjoy—at least for short stretches. But make no mistake: this is a racecar with license plates, not a grand tourer.
Brand Heritage: From History to Hypercar
Praga may not be a household name, but it has a rich history dating back to 1907 in Czechoslovakia. Known for everything from trucks to motorcycles to race cars, Praga’s modern revival has centered on motorsport. The Bohema follows their successful R1 track car, blending racing experience with road accessibility. With just 89 Bohemas set for production, each car will be rare and uniquely numbered.
Community and Culture: A Car for the Few Who Understand
Among enthusiasts, the Bohema is already earning respect. It’s praised for rejecting hybrid complexity and digital interference in favor of analog excellence. It’s a car for purists, for drivers who value feedback and finesse over speed alone. Online reactions call it a “GT-R heart in an LMP body,” and that’s not far off. It’s extreme, but intentionally so.
The Verdict: Brutal, Brilliant, and Unapologetic
The Praga Bohema is not comfortable. It’s not user-friendly. And it’s definitely not for everyone. But for the select few who desire a track monster with the audacity to drive home afterward, the Bohema delivers one of the most intense and authentic driving experiences money can buy. It’s raw, it’s light, it’s fast—and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
Yusri Ng
Zakirin
