Ferrari to Ultima, good move?

[sone]

Just done a deal on my 430 and its off to a new home. So I'm thinking I need a new toy, Ultima is certainly on the list I 'm looking to spend around the 50k ish mark and just wondering what I can hope to get.
Am I going to be dissapointed has anyone made a similar move. Advice, opinions would be appreciated.
Better still any particular cars worth a look.

Cheers

Steve

[macgtech]

Hi Steve,

This entirely depends on what your expectations are. The Ultima is going to be significantly more 'raw' than the Ferrari as it has fewer refinements (traction control, ABS, power steering etc.), but it will be much faster and more fun. It will be less practical with reduced luggage and fuel capacity over the 430 and things like getting in and out is more difficult, however this adds to the 'experience'. When we went for a drive in a road Ultima I was amazed at how good the ride was.

The Ultima handles excellently (imagine a 600bhp go-kart), with great brakes, ride and feedback. Its a pure 'drivers' car and really is superb. Hence why we chose one to convert into a full race car (and its faster than the 430 GT2's!) :-)

Jonny

[F.C.]

I had an 08 model F430 a couple of years back, sold it and bought an Exige, fantastic handling but not enough grunt.
Now I have a Procharged Ultima GTR.

I see you had a GT03 Noble before, the Ulima is built along the same lines but without power steering or brakes. on the plus side ultimas appear to be a little more reliable as they are generally not so highly strung, I had an M400 and it always gave me the feeling of being on the edge mechanically (huge grin factor though).
If you keep your Porsche and a shopping car besides then the Ultima may be a good proposition.
You will need to give yourself a chance to get used to it though the first few hours of Ultima driving can be a little claustrophobic but once you have the idea you will be able to humiliate most traffic out there

[sone]

Thanks for the responses so far, I appreciate the Ultima would be a much rawer experience and to be honest thats part of the attraction. The 430 was a great car and I can see me having one again some day but for now I fancy a change.
I'm interested in the reliability of these cars, I appreciate they are as good as they've been built but are they at all mileage sensitive.
I'm leaning toward an Ls3 engined car but should I go for an earlier engine.
Questions Questions.

Cheers

Steve

[Steve_D]

LS3 or better would be best.
I have 17000 miles on my (SBC) GTR.

Steve

[F.C.]

LS3 is probably biggest bang for buck.
Easily modded too.

[Stig]

sone said:

Thanks for the responses so far, I appreciate the Ultima would be a much rawer experience and to be honest thats part of the attraction. The 430 was a great car and I can see me having one again some day but for now I fancy a change.
I'm interested in the reliability of these cars, I appreciate they are as good as they've been built but are they at all mileage sensitive.
I'm leaning toward an Ls3 engined car but should I go for an earlier engine.
Questions Questions.

Cheers

Steve

If you're coming from a 430, I'd definitely go for an LS powered car.

[alfasteve]

BMW V10

[7litrebig]

sone said:

....I'm interested in the reliability of these cars, I appreciate they are as good as they've been built but are they at all mileage sensitive.....

To chuck my view in...

Before I built the Ultima, I looked at very closely and drove other options (360, 997, Vantage... 430 was too pricy then) - partly to keep myself honest and be doubly sure about what I wanted. After much deliberation I built my LS7 Ultima with a couple of thoughts in mind.

1. I didn't want a daily runner (already had 2 other cars)
2. Wanted something very different for the weekend
3. Extreme V8 performance was required

Can honestly say I've never for a moment regretted the "investment" made. Like you say much is down to the assembly quality, but if done right I think LS options give both bullet proof reliability and the pleasant driving manners of modern V8. Easiest to describe the raw performance as ridiculous!

Ironically, my company car lease expires next year and I'll be looking for 997 Carrera as daily driver (I don't do many business miles) - but I think the Ultima is a keeper. I don't think you'll be disappointed and if you want a good look at an LS7 car just shout out.

Cheers
Paul