Ugly GTR Copy.
Discussion
GTRCLIVE said: Hi Paradigm, If I'm not mistaken this Vector was originaly designed by a German. He was a Ford or GM employe who got told not to turn up to work in his Ferrari all the time. To spit them he Built his own car I think it was Called the Vector V2 ( Maybe W2 ), it had a 32Valve Twin turbo V8 based on a Chevy, and a ridiculous top speed 240 ish, if my memory is right. Then agian I've been proved wrong in the past.
So I think the American's can not be held responsable for that one.
IIRC the car was designed by Gerald Wiegert. It was an American car, meaning made in the US. I never heard that Gerald Wiegert was German. I thought he was American but simply don't know.
What I do remember is that it was unique. Initially, it had a twin turbo small block Chevy that was stroked (3.625 inches or so instead of 3.48) to 6 liters, with a stock 4 inch bore. A Donovan aluminum block was used, and its claimed output was somewhere around 650 hp.
The choice of transmission was the most interesting part. It was a TH425 transaxle, original equipment of the early 60's through 70's Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado but with reworked internals, both for increased torque capacity as well as for wider ratios so that it could accelerate well even with the extremely tall gearing required for its ludicrous top speed with only three gears. First gear ratio was about 3:1 rather than the stock 2.48:1.
It used a full manual valve body, and I think that it had the shifter on the sill (left, of course) instead of the center console. I saw one in person, and I'm pretty sure that's how it was.
They later proposed a DOHC 4 valve all aluminum full 7 liter V8. It was probably small block Chevy based, and the power I read that this engine produced was 700 hp NA and 1000 hp for the twin turbo version. I don't know if it was ever produced. I don't know if they even made prototypes of this engine, who designed or built the heads, etc.
It didn't matter. Shortly thereafter, Gerald lost the company, and it was sold to whoever owned Lamborghini at the time--Malaysians, I think. Its last version used a Lamborghini Diablo engine and transaxle and was sold as a cheaper, RWD (instead of 4WD) alternative to a Diablo.
As for its looks, directly from the side, the rear looks too long, but I think it's a great looking car from the front 3/4 view. Keep in mind that it was designed in the 70's.
So, did I finally contribute enough totally useless information to have earned a ride in an Ultima scaring me
less if I ever make it to England? 
GTRCLIVE said: Hi Paradigm, If I'm not mistaken this Vector was originaly designed by a German. He was a Ford or GM employe who got told not to turn up to work in his Ferrari all the time. To spit them he Built his own car I think it was Called the Vector V2 ( Maybe W2 ), it had a 32Valve Twin turbo V8 based on a Chevy, and a ridiculous top speed 240 ish, if my memory is right. Then agian I've been proved wrong in the past.
So I think the American's can not be held responsable for that one.
IIRC the car was designed by Gerry Wiegert. It was an American car, meaning made in the US. I never heard that Gerry Wiegert was German. I thought he was American but simply don't know.
What I do remember is that it was unique. Initially, it had a twin turbo small block Chevy that was stroked (3.625 inches or so instead of 3.48) to 6 liters, with a stock 4 inch bore. A Donovan aluminum block was used, and its claimed output was somewhere around 650 hp.
The choice of transmission was the most interesting part. It was a TH425 transaxle, original equipment of the early 60's through 70's Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado but with reworked internals, both for increased torque capacity as well as for wider ratios so that it could accelerate well even with the extremely tall gearing required for its ludicrous top speed with only three gears. First gear ratio was about 3:1 rather than the stock 2.48:1.
It used a full manual valve body, and I think that it had the shifter on the sill (left, of course) instead of the center console. I saw one in person, and I'm pretty sure that's how it was.
They later proposed a DOHC 4 valve all aluminum full 7 liter V8. It was probably small block Chevy based, and the power I read that this engine produced was 700 hp NA and 1000 hp for the twin turbo version. I don't know if it was ever produced. I don't know if they even made prototypes of this engine, who designed or built the heads, etc.
It didn't matter. Shortly thereafter, Gerry lost the company, and it was sold to whoever owned Lamborghini at the time--Malaysians, I think. Its last version used a Lamborghini Diablo engine and transaxle and was sold as a cheaper, RWD (instead of 4WD) alternative to a Diablo.
As for its looks, directly from the side, the rear looks too long, but I think it's a great looking car from the front 3/4 view. Keep in mind that it was designed in the 70's.
So, did I finally contribute enough totally useless information to have earned a ride in an Ultima scaring me
less if I ever make it to England? >> Edited by Miguel on Thursday 31st October 23:11
The Saleen and Mosler aren't bad looking. Personally I find them a bit 'squashed'. That's why I'm not keen on the Can-Am, it's too flat for my tastes. The GTR is beautifully proportioned (to my eye at least).
Also, check the length of the rear overhangs on the Saleen. Great for downforce (also applied to the 'long-tailled' McLaren F1 Le Mans cars) but not very balanced.
The venting to the front wings however IS a very good idea as it reduces the pressure around the front wheels reducing lift and understeer.
Don't forget - the GTR (and Can-Am) destroys all of them on a performance per pound ratio anyway!!!
Also, check the length of the rear overhangs on the Saleen. Great for downforce (also applied to the 'long-tailled' McLaren F1 Le Mans cars) but not very balanced.
The venting to the front wings however IS a very good idea as it reduces the pressure around the front wheels reducing lift and understeer.
Don't forget - the GTR (and Can-Am) destroys all of them on a performance per pound ratio anyway!!!
GTRCLIVE said: I think it was Called the Vector V2 ( Maybe W2 ),
It was called the W2.
But now the car that *made* Vector was the stunning Twin Turbo W8:
A red W8 was the Vector featured in the movie with Sean Connery and Wesly Snipes, called "Rising Sun"
And AFAIK I love both the Can am and the GTR - although I have to say IMO the GTR looks more *complete* thanks to that cabin
But IMO the cars featured at the beginning of the thread look absolutely ridiculous compared to any of the Ultima!
>> Edited by Thom on Friday 1st November 20:53
D3vine
I think you will find Ultima is a very sucessful company compaired to the others in the UK and make a quality car that is quicker, better built and more enjoyable than anything else you can buy for the budget. I am sure the factory will provide something new when the Can Am and the GTR's development costs have been repaid. While we wait for something new I am happy (and hope) that the company can continue to provide a quality product with quality service.
>> Edited by bluesatin on Friday 1st November 21:53
bluesatin said:
D3vine
I think you will find Ultima is a very sucessful company compaired to the others in the UK and make a quality car that is quicker, better built and more enjoyable than anything else you can buy for the budget. I am sure the factory will provide something new when the Can Am and the GTR's development costs have been repaid. While we wait for something new I am happy (and hope) that the company can continue to provide a quality product with quality service.
>> Edited by bluesatin on Friday 1st November 21:53
Well after a response like that, you tend to take the Opion that Ted's gave you a Job. But I do agree, I have never found a better quailty Car in this realm, Sorry boys but that includes TVR's.
bluesatin said:
D3vine
I think you will find Ultima is a very sucessful company compaired to the others in the UK and make a quality car that is quicker, better built and more enjoyable than anything else you can buy for the budget. I am sure the factory will provide something new when the Can Am and the GTR's development costs have been repaid. While we wait for something new I am happy (and hope) that the company can continue to provide a quality product with quality service.
>> Edited by bluesatin on Friday 1st November 21:53
Well put Guy!
Well, to start off, I have never seen the Ultima GTR in person and I think it is an amazing looking car in pictures. I have seen sports cars that have stopped my heart when I've seen them in person and in pictures they look really good, but I have never seen a car that has struck me like an Ultima. Imagine when I first see one when I go to the factory next year. Every AVERAGE person or car enthusiast I show the Ultima pictures to in the US, they say, "WOW, THAT CAR IS BEAUTIFUL!" Another thing I wanted to say is if you have not seen the Saleen S7 in person, you can't call it ugly. I have seen the Saleen S7 in person at the NY AUTO show, and the car is one of the best looking cars I have ever seen. As for the people that are calling the Ultimas ugly I have a question for you. If the Ultima is that ugly, then why are you even on this forum? I think some people can be over opinionated, but when they see the car in person for the first time, they would be blown away. If you ask me, I think the Ultima GTR is one of the best looking cars of all time!!
I saw the yellow Saleen in the SanFran auto show and it was nice. Very dynamic looking. It seemed like a large car and the Ultima might be smaller. (I haven't seen an Ultima in person) The Ultima is a great car that subscibes to the fundamentals of fast cars that Ferrari has given up on except for with the decade super cars that cost sooo much.
I think the Ultima has more organic fleshy curves than the Saleen. The Saleen reminds me of a king cobra. Oh how I crave to give both cars a flogging around a track!
I think the Ultima has more organic fleshy curves than the Saleen. The Saleen reminds me of a king cobra. Oh how I crave to give both cars a flogging around a track!
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