Brabham launches Aussie-made BT62 hypercar

Brabham Automotive has launched a wild, track-focused hypercar that will challenge cars like the Aston Martin Vulcan and the McLaren P1 GTR -- and it will be built in Australia.

Revealed at the Australian High Commission in London at a VIP event overnight, the BT62 hypercar is said to "build on a 70-year racing pedigree" that was begun by Sir Jack Brabham.

Pulling the drapes off its the mid-engine BT62, Brabham Automotive confirmed its first offering will be a track-only hypercar that will generate 522kW/667Nm from a naturally-aspirated 5.4-litre V8 that channels its power to the rear wheels via a 'race-spec' sequential transmission.

Weighing in at just 972kg (dry), the BT62 features a full carbon-fibre body and an aggressive aerodynamics package that helps it generate more than 1200kg of downforce.

Reigning in all that performance is a carbon-ceramic brake package that boasts six-piston front and rear callipers.

Wearing slick Michelin tyres specially developed for the BT62, in total the BT62 is claimed to offer racers a stunning power-to-ratio of 720bhp (537kW) per tonne.

Brabham announced at the unveiling not only that the BT62 will be built at a 15,000sq-m facility in Adelaide, but it will base its Australasian and Asian office near the manufacturing base.

Announcing prices would begin at £1 million ($A1.8 million), Brabham Automotive confirmed it would make just 70 cars, with the first 35 BT62s off the production line carrying liveries designed to pay tribute to Sir Jack's 35 Formula 1 Grand Prix victories.

Included in the seven-figure price tag is a tailored driver development and experience program to enable owners to fully exploit their car's towering performance.

First deliveries have been confirmed to start later this year.

Brabham Automotive was founded by late Australian racing legend Sir Jack Brabham’s son David, who has already announced he is keen for the Brabham name to make a return to motor racing and that it was the company's "ultimate goal" to once again compete on the race track, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans "firmly in its sights".The car-maker’s first offering will no doubt benefit from the racing experience of founder and MD, David Brabham, who not only won Le Mans but once raced in F1.

Speaking following its unveil, David Brabham said: “It’s with great pride that I honour and continue my father’s legacy in revealing the next chapter in the evolving Brabham story.

"My father had an incredible determination to succeed and, like him, I’ve worked tirelessly through this time, drawing on my experience as a racing driver, leader and mentor, never once losing sight of that goal. It’s been challenging at times, but what we have achieved is simply staggering. Today’s unveiling makes me feel incredibly proud as the Brabham legacy enters a new era.”Stay tuned for more details.