Ultima GTR vs. FFR GTM?

Ultima GTR vs. FFR GTM?

Author
Discussion

David Borden

17 posts

204 months

Tuesday 24th July 2007
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crafty said:
Of course we all know that Ultima drivers are MUCH better drivers so it really wouldnt be fair at all.
ohhh yeah??? Lets just see about that... biggrinsmilewink

LuckyP

6,243 posts

226 months

Tuesday 24th July 2007
quotequote all
F&.%King cool David. Looks brilliant! Sounds amazing. The GTM is really long and low, no? Looks that way. Love to see a few in the UK.

Have you got a few engine bay shots?

Lucky


David Borden

17 posts

204 months

Tuesday 24th July 2007
quotequote all
Hey thanks Lucky!

Here's my photo album of the build:

http://www.gtmbuild.com/galleries/gtm_build/index....

Here's an engine bay shot for you.



(I know, I know, the intakes in a shitty position. Working on that) biggrin

David

LuckyP

6,243 posts

226 months

Tuesday 24th July 2007
quotequote all
Yep - that's all in the right place! Anyone who knows me, knows I like clean bays and black panels.

Looks great mate. Well done. thumbup

Edited by LuckyP on Tuesday 24th July 22:09

crafty

2,291 posts

238 months

Wednesday 25th July 2007
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David, been watching you over on the FFR forum... very nice ride.

... the crossover on the pipes makes the world of difference to the sound dunnit! I was inspired to do a single exhaust on mine after hearing the FFR GTM at Power Tour last year.

jschwartz

836 posts

259 months

Thursday 26th July 2007
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Twin Turbos fit easier into a GTR.

San Diego GTR

469 posts

208 months

Thursday 26th July 2007
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Nice video Dave and thanks for the clarification on the weight. Your car looks great!

I wonder if FFR will attempt breaking the World Records set by the GTR?

Enjoy your car!

Sky

12 posts

235 months

Thursday 26th July 2007
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I would be interested in seeing some performance figures as well (in addition to some numbers for the Superlight Coupe) - but strictly speaking, don't think it can challenge the Ultima 'record'. As I understand, the Ultima record is for 'production cars', and the FFR doesn't fall into that category in either the US or the UK. My interpretation anyways, could be wrong.

Stig

11,818 posts

285 months

Thursday 26th July 2007
quotequote all
Interesting thread.

Notwithstanding that the GTM looks like the b*stard son of a GT40 and a Ferrari, it's worth considering the following as there are some pretty fundamental differences:

The Ultima was esigned as a mid engine 'super-car' utilizing all new purpose made components.

The GTM is essentially re-bodied front-engined car, utilising mostly used components that were originally designed for a heavier front engine rear wheel drive vehicle. Obviously, as standard, this means that the brakes, suspension and steering aren't perhaps best suited to a mid-engine vehicle.

The GTM isn't a bad looker, but is essentially a rebodied car. That alone makes it very different from the Ultima. It's kit vs new build as far as I'm aware.

I'd be interested in seeing the difference in cost (if any) on a like-for-like ie. all new parts for the GTM vs. the Ultima. Is there RHD available as there isn't a RHD version of the donor?

Other factors that would put me off is that it would definitely be on a Q plate or original donor reg. Of course, you could donor a new 'vette - but why on earth would you (not to mention the cost!). Re-sale will be dire as it will definitely be perceived as a kit-car here.

Probably best to pay a visit to the GTM forums to see how the builders are faring. Best from the horses mouth and all that! smile

San Diego GTR

469 posts

208 months

Friday 27th July 2007
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Mort-

Stig's post does a better job expressing my earlier comment that "the GTM is a C5 Corvette that has 1000 lbs removed".

Stig said:
The GTM is essentially re-bodied front-engined car, utilising mostly used components that were originally designed for a heavier front engine rear wheel drive vehicle. Obviously, as standard, this means that the brakes, suspension and steering aren't perhaps best suited to a mid-engine vehicle.)

andygtt

8,345 posts

265 months

Friday 27th July 2007
quotequote all
Stig said:
Interesting thread.


The Ultima was esigned as a mid engine 'super-car' utilizing all new purpose made components.
Wasn't the Ultima designed around granada hubs etc? and even used the Granada rack and uprights on the front and the brakes all round! funnily the factory big brake kit used to be corvette items on the sports.

But the GTR has been developed into an 'all new' car and so does prove that its further down the development road than the GTM... and I would expect the GTR to have a better re-sale value.

As for performance, on comparable spec I'd expect there to be little in it as whilst the GTR is all new, the suspension design isn't.... but you'd need to drive both to be able to do a reasonable comparison.

Both are stunning looking cars, but for me the GTR has the edge on looks.

Mr J

257 posts

252 months

Friday 27th July 2007
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I like the look of the superlite.

mohrt

Original Poster:

135 posts

211 months

Friday 27th July 2007
quotequote all
Stig said:
Notwithstanding that the GTM looks like the b*stard son of a GT40 and a Ferrari...
I nearly spit my drink. That's funny!

I like the look of the GTR frontend better than the GTM. However, I do like the look of the GTM from the rear, it doesn't look as "fat" as the GTR or C5. But being a fan of the Ferrari, I may be biased wink

Edited by mohrt on Friday 27th July 17:03


Edited by mohrt on Friday 27th July 20:35

crafty

2,291 posts

238 months

Saturday 28th July 2007
quotequote all
You need to see them both in person to see the bits you like and the bits you dont.

I saw the factory GTM at Power Tour last year and it was shabby.... but it had only just been released and I am sure that FFR will iron out the bugs.

The interior of the GTM is very cluttered, it has a large, high console that makes it feel like a front engined car. I really couldnt work that one out.

There were a few things that really made it look like a kit car:
Corvette seats
Steering wheel
The finish to the rubbers around the windows
General fit and finish
VERY rough CF interior panels

As for the shape, like I said, you need to see one in person. I personally dont like the front. The shape is OK, but it points up a little, you cant see this in the photos. I also didnt like the way the wheels sat in the arches, it looked unfinished.


Having said all that, its good value for money.

I the UK the whole Q plate thing would make them a very unattractive proposition.



San Diego GTR

469 posts

208 months

Saturday 28th July 2007
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For those of us in the US, what is this "Q Plate" thing?

jmf003

1 posts

202 months

Saturday 28th July 2007
quotequote all
Q plate

A Q Plate is literally a VRM which starts with a Q prefix. Use of this plate indicates one of two things: a vehicle which was not originally registered in the UK and for which proof of age was unavailable at registration, or a vehicle which has been built using a significant proportion of used parts.

It is perfectly normal for a kit car to have a Q registration, but on other vehicles, it suggests that their full history may be difficult to trace.

From: http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/glossary/vehicle_...


Couldn't one avoid a Q plate by assembling the kit with all new parts rather than using a donor car?

crafty

2,291 posts

238 months

Saturday 28th July 2007
quotequote all
jmf003 said:
Couldn't one avoid a Q plate by assembling the kit with all new parts rather than using a donor car?
yes.... but then the GTM would cost a lot more

The list of parts here adds up to USD17K

base price is USD20K

So 37K before wheels trans engine etc..... still pretty good value.






Edited by crafty on Saturday 28th July 07:54


Edited by crafty on Saturday 28th July 07:55

GTWayne

4,595 posts

218 months

Saturday 28th July 2007
quotequote all
jmf003 said:
Couldn't one avoid a Q plate by assembling the kit with all new parts rather than using a donor car?
Technically yes but being a US designed car it is unlikely that it will be SVA compliant and therefor can not be registered as a new car. Come to think of it, it will need to be SVA'd regardless of the age of the parts used so this matter will need to be addressed anyhow.

San Diego GTR

469 posts

208 months

Wednesday 1st August 2007
quotequote all
Thanks for the explaination on the Q.

C&D has a real nice article on the GTM this month. Check it out at

http://www.ffcobra.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_...

VanVondenburgh

4 posts

208 months

Wednesday 1st August 2007
quotequote all
Another company that I came across while researching Ultima and it's potential in the States is Born AutoWorks.

www.borncars.com

I corresponded with them and rcvd some pictures under an agreement of confidentiality and just let me say....."WOW"! Very impressive design...just gorgeous.

Expect more info soon.

Edited by VanVondenburgh on Wednesday 1st August 17:34


Edited by VanVondenburgh on Wednesday 1st August 17:48