This isn't just more power for an Ultima. Honest. The Evolution is described as taking the car to "even greater even greater levels of fit, finish, quality, safety, driver comfort, usability, practicality and handling finesse" in response to customer demand.
We'll come to those shortly, but there is more power if you wish. Up to 1,030hp, in fact. All Evolution models are powered by a Chevy LS engine, with everything from 355hp into four figures. The black demonstrator seen here is 1,030hp spec. With 920lb ft and 1,065hp per ton, Ultima claims 60mph in 2.3 seconds, 100mph in 4.9 and 0-150mph in 8.9 seconds (!). "It has the capability to accelerate onwards to over 240mph," says Ultima. We have no reason to doubt that! Oh, and it's manual too...
Anyway, it's not all about the power. Really. A substantial update to the chassis has boosted torsional rigidity and is said to improve safety, ride and handling. There are new forged wheels, a redesigned fuel system plus tweaks to the cooling and brakes as well.
All things being relative, the Evolution should be easier to live with than the previous Ultima models. Inside there's iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, sat-nav and a heated windscreen as well as new instruments and materials to freshen the design. There's even "improved rear visibility" thanks to a different rear wing design, mounting the rear view mirror in a different place and even adding a camera. It'll be a 911 rival at this rate of everyday usability...
More usable by Ultima standards, remember
Much of the Evolution update appears similar to the Caterham range refresh actually - new wheels, colours, fonts and so on. More carbon as well, for good measure. Don't forget the Ferrari-style steering wheel, new engine start button and sun visor arrangement.
Despite the extensive Evolution facelift, the Ultima still isn't going to be a car for the faint-hearted. In a world of autonomous driving and numerous assist features, that could easily be argued as a very good thing. For anyone tempted, Ultima will sell you an Evolution kit for "the same ballpark price as a mundane new BMW 335i" or from £65,995 as a factory built car.