While Holden and Fords Australian ties are long dead, that doesnt mean Australia doesnt still have a few fingers in the pie of car manufacturing. Along with numerous right-hand drive conversion sites and an increasing reputation for off-road vehicle development, up-and-coming supercar manufacturer Brabham is on the rise. Produced in South Australia, Brabhams BT62 supercar (previously revealed in track toy and road car guises) has received plenty of global attention. And
now the Aussie firm is set to add another variant to the mix; the BT62 GT2.
As the name suggests, the model is designed to adhere to the FIAs GT2 motorsport regulations, seeing it become a viable option for those wanting to race
against GT2 mainstays like the Audi R8, Porsche 911, Reiter KTM X-Bow GT2, and Lamborghini Huracan.
The main tweak Brabham has made to the BT62 to make it applicable for the formula is detune the engine. It still packs the same soulful 5.4-litre V8 engine,
but power output has shrunk from 622kW to 447kW, sent through a sequential transmission.
The aero is different, too. Brabham have given the model a bespoke front and rear bumper pairing, and a new rear spoiler. Curiously, while most race cars
are lighter than their road-going equivalents, the BT62 GT2 is heavier; tipping the scales at between 1200kg and 1300kg (the ordinary BT62 weighs less
than a ton).
While the BT62 GT2 is currently a concept, a production version is set to debut later in the year. The model is already penciled in as a starter for the
2022 Fanatec GT2 European Championship.
Brabhams yet to detail the GT2s suspension or braking upgrades (or downgrades, as it were). The model is at least based on the same platform as the rest
of the nameplate. Its expected to make its racing debut in October.
Meanwhile, NZ Autocar understands that at least two Brabham BT62s have been acquired by Kiwi owners. One is set to run in the Carters Tyres South Island
Endurance Series against the categorys slew of GT3 racers.
