My Ultima GTR

[renmure]

I'm just a Joe Bloggs driver so in truth the Ultima is a bit scary. I think you'd have to be a good driver to really exploit it on any road other than a Motorway.

There's a lot of power and no electronic aids whatever so brutal acceleration off the line without leaving lots of rubber is a skill I've yet to master. In-gear acceleration is visceral but 70/80mph comes up so quickly you have to back off almost as soon as you prod the throttle. I used to have a 996 Turbo S and didn't think anything would ever feel as ballistic as that but this is. The Type-R is really fast but isn't in the same league. On the other hand it's comfortable, had 4 seats and a boot.

Handling wise, the Ultima is basically a race car for the road so there's a lot going on. It's all fairly harsh and firm with a lot of noise, a lot of steering input (sometimes just to keep pointing forward) and a lot to think about. Not quite sensory overload but the sort of thing that would more naturally be blocked out on track with a helmet. Again being honest, if I were in the Ultima following a well driven Type-R then I don't think I would have the skill or guts to keep up with it on the back roads. The Type-R makes it really easy to go quickly. Ironically tho, almost everything moves over when the Ultima comes up behind it so you almost make good progress by seemingly intimidating everyone out of the way no matter what speed you're doing.

It's hard for me to do much comparison with the Fezza. I just pop the roof down and pose about in it.

Wish it sounded like the Fezza tho.

[Caddyshack]

Thanks for such a full reply, it is much as I thought. Great car, my favourite of all the ultimas I have seen. I am building a 4x4 205 pug with 630 bhp cossie, I imagine it will be similar to the Ultima in scary speed gathering...it was with 469 bhp.

[renmure]

e30m3Mark said:

Looks perfect on the 18's to my eyes.

Definitely close to the top of the list once my Lotto win comes. Ideal spec would have a BMW V10 though.

I'm with you on the 18's but like I said above, I think there's a bit more tyre choice on 19's although I think R888's will always be an option.

I've seen posts on the FB group from folk with all sorts of engines including V10s (usually Audi tho I think) and Ferrari V8s and a whole bunch of other left-field ones. Being a mechanical numptie I'm in awe of anyone who can build a standard car, far less going off on a custom build.

[Bear-n]

'ang on. That's your drive??



Where do you live - Skyfall?

[deadscoob]

renmure said:

Yeah, I stuck with 18's. Personally I think the 19's look a bit too big and bling but on the flip-side the tyre choice for 19's is a bit better.

A bit better

There are no modern tyres available here in 18” rear size unfortunately. Is why I went 19 and absolutely agree they look too big, but having the choice of look better or have decent tyres, it’s an easy, if not bitter sweet choice.

[renmure]

deadscoob said:

Is why I went 19 and absolutely agree they look too big, but having the choice of look better or have decent tyres, it’s an easy, if not bitter sweet choice.

I do get the compromise. I've had to make a similar one with my Stratos build so as not to end up limiting tyre choice in the future.

[deadscoob]

Yeah it sucks. 19s are too big, I miss my 18s

[ol]

deadscoob said:

Yeah it sucks. 19s are too big, I miss my 18s

I just bought Pirelli's in the right size for 18's in the UK. Granted the choice was limited, and I couldn't get the Kuhmo's I wanted, but they seem a decent tyre so far

[renmure]

And with all this talk of wheels... as if by magic... a pic

[e30m3Mark]

renmure said:

e30m3Mark said:

Looks perfect on the 18's to my eyes.

Definitely close to the top of the list once my Lotto win comes. Ideal spec would have a BMW V10 though.

I'm with you on the 18's but like I said above, I think there's a bit more tyre choice on 19's although I think R888's will always be an option.

I've seen posts on the FB group from folk with all sorts of engines including V10s (usually Audi tho I think) and Ferrari V8s and a whole bunch of other left-field ones. Being a mechanical numptie I'm in awe of anyone who can build a standard car, far less going off on a custom build.

Same here. I find Lego a bit of a stretch so (once I get that Lotto win) I'll be looking for someone to build it for me.

[deadscoob]

ol said:

I just bought Pirelli's in the right size for 18's in the UK. Granted the choice was limited, and I couldn't get the Kuhmo's I wanted, but they seem a decent tyre so far

They’re very old tech. It’s like comparing a ps4s with an original pilot sport- there’s a massive difference.
As I do trackdays as well, they’re even less suitable.
19s give you a choice of all current quality road and track tyres, 18s are old Pirelli’s or Michelin’s, that’s it. Unfortunately

[renmure]

Winter in N.E. Scotland isn't really Ultima driving weather so I've been trying to see how far up the leader board I could get round the Top Gear track thanks to Forza and Xbox

There's a great video of an Ultima GTR smashing a time of 1:12.8 around the circuit which would top the leader board: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJX79qtpM6s

and another run (on slicks) of 1.09.9 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqmDi1m6EB0

Official Top Gear Track top 10
01:13.7 McLaren 675LT
01:13.8 Pagani Huayra
01:14.3 BAC Mono
01:15.1 Ariel Atom V8 500
01:15.1 Dodge Viper ACR
01:15.7 Audi R8 V10 Plus
01:15.8 Lamborghini Huracán
01:16.0 Mercedes-AMG GT R
01:16.1 Porsche 991 GT3 RS
01:16.2 McLaren MP4-12C

Probably fair to say I didn't make the top 10

[vincegail]

The Pagani's lap time still fraudulous

[renmure]

First drive for this year.
Petrol and Burgers... food of champions

[Storer]

If you ditched the orange stripe you would be allowed into a decent restaurant! 😁

[renmure]

Storer said:

If you ditched the orange stripe you would be allowed into a decent restaurant! ??

I'd be happy just to be able to cope with the Drive Thru bit.

[M4CK 1]

renmure said:

Storer said:

If you ditched the orange stripe you would be allowed into a decent restaurant! ??

I'd be happy just to be able to cope with the Drive Thru bit.

Probably one of the only cars that wouldn't go through a drive through apart from a Caterham where they wouldn't see you and think you were hoax until you stand up

I just love the look of yours the grey with contrasting orange stripe is outstanding and screams petrolheadedness. It's the most anti-electric, mundane boring car, there is!!

The one thing I would say it must be bloody scary on a B road, with it being so low, wide and unforgiving suspension, I wouldn't like to meet an oncoming lorry or bus.
It's definitely built for track, epic journeys to Europe or meets

[renmure]

Yeah, B roads keep you on your toes. A bad habit I have is driving too far from the kerb and over towards the the middle of the road because the side windows and wing mirrors are about a foot inboard of the width of the car so you get the illusion that you must be way over to the left. The wing mirror position makes reversing into the garage a leap of faith

[renmure]

Just to show that there's more than just me running around in an Ultima up here is sunny Scotland, 5 of us met up for breakfast and a run this morning. All the attention was very positive and I'm sure everyone was saying nice comments. If my ears weren't bleeding with all the noise I might even have heard them.

[chuntington101]

Any more info on the two can ams with the hardtops? Never seen them before! Are they a factory option?