The Praga Bohema is a high-performance, two-seat coupe unveiled in August 2023 by the Czech manufacturer Praga. Representing a return to automotive production for the brand, historically known for racing and aircraft manufacturing, the Bohema is designed as a track-focused yet road-legal vehicle. It distinguishes itself through its naturally aspirated, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and lightweight construction, aiming to deliver an engaging and visceral driving experience. The Bohema is not positioned as a mass-market vehicle but rather as an exclusive, limited-production offering for driving enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Praga |
| Model | Bohema |
| Generation | Bohema |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (700 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 2.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 2.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 317 km/h (196.97 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 1.4 kg/Hp, 712.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 1.4 kg/Nm, 738.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 700 Hp @ 6800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 184.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 725 Nm @ 3000-6000 rpm (534.73 lb.-ft. @ 3000-6000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | PL38DETT |
| Engine displacement | 3799 cm3 (231.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.4 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, CVVT |
| Kerb Weight | 982 kg (2164.94 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4510 mm (177.56 in.) |
| Width | 2000 mm (78.74 in.) |
| Height | 1060 mm (41.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2770 mm (109.06 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 380 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 380 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 245/40 ZR18 Rear wheel tires: 305/30 ZR19 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 18 Rear wheel rims: 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Praga Bohema is the PL38DETT, a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine is not a Praga-designed unit; it is sourced from Nissan’s VR38DETT engine family, famously used in the GT-R. However, Praga has extensively modified the engine, focusing on reducing weight and improving responsiveness. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT). The twin-turbocharger setup, coupled with an intercooler, delivers a substantial 700 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 725 Nm (534.73 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 6000 rpm. The engine is mounted longitudinally in a mid-engine configuration, contributing to the car’s balanced handling characteristics. The Bohema employs a six-speed manual transmission, prioritizing driver engagement and control.
Driving Characteristics
The Praga Bohema is engineered for exceptional performance on both road and track. The mid-engine layout and relatively lightweight construction (982 kg / 2164.94 lbs) contribute to agile handling and quick cornering. The manual transmission allows for precise gear selection, maximizing the engine’s power output. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is claimed at 2.2 seconds, and the car boasts a top speed of 317 km/h (196.97 mph). While specific gear ratios haven’t been widely publicized, the focus is on delivering strong acceleration in all gears. The Bohema’s driving experience is expected to be raw and engaging, prioritizing driver feedback over outright comfort. The lack of electronic driver aids, beyond ABS, further emphasizes the car’s focus on pure driving skill.
Equipment & Trim Levels
Given its limited production and high-performance nature, the Praga Bohema is not offered with traditional trim levels. The vehicle is largely bespoke, with a high degree of customization available to buyers. Standard features include a minimalist interior focused on functionality, racing-style seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The interior materials are lightweight and high-quality, emphasizing performance over luxury. Optional extras include personalized paint schemes, bespoke interior trim, and track-focused equipment such as a roll cage and racing harness. The Bohema is designed to be a highly individualistic vehicle, reflecting the owner’s preferences.
Chassis & Braking
The Praga Bohema utilizes a lightweight chassis constructed from steel and carbon fiber, optimizing both strength and weight reduction. The suspension system is designed for track performance, featuring adjustable dampers and springs. Specific details regarding suspension geometry and spring rates are limited, but the setup is geared towards minimizing body roll and maximizing grip. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, measuring 380 mm in diameter. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is included as a standard safety feature. The steering system is a rack and pinion type, providing precise and responsive steering feel. The car rides on 18-inch wheels at the front and 19-inch wheels at the rear, fitted with high-performance tires (245/40 ZR18 front, 305/30 ZR19 rear).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Praga Bohema has garnered significant attention within the automotive enthusiast community due to its unique combination of a naturally aspirated V6 engine, manual transmission, and track-focused design. Critics have praised its commitment to a pure driving experience and its distinctive styling. Compared to other high-performance coupes, such as the Porsche 911 GT3 or the McLaren Artura, the Bohema offers a more raw and visceral experience, prioritizing driver engagement over technological sophistication. Its price point places it within the same bracket as these competitors, but its limited production run and bespoke nature make it a more exclusive offering. Fuel economy figures are not a primary concern for this vehicle, but the engine’s efficiency is optimized for performance.
Legacy
The Praga Bohema represents a significant moment for the Praga brand, marking its return to automotive manufacturing after decades focused on other ventures. Its long-term reliability remains to be seen, but the use of a proven engine architecture (albeit heavily modified) suggests a degree of durability. As a limited-production vehicle, the Bohema is likely to become a highly sought-after collectible in the future. Its unique design and focus on the driving experience position it as a distinctive offering within the high-performance coupe segment. The Bohema’s success could pave the way for further automotive projects from Praga, potentially establishing the brand as a niche player in the performance car market.
