Anyone experienced a Saker?
Discussion
I know it's not on the same level as an Ultima, but it interests me.
Low weight (bout the same as an Ultima), has a lower centre of gravity (slightly). Same sort of car too, Group C style.
If you were looking to race seriously, you probally wouldn't consider it (if you could afford to build a higher spec Ultima). Still, if you wanted a fast street car, and like to track it should be fine. It was built as a race car, so I doubt any road based car could compete with it.
Pretty customizable, since it's sent as a kit/turn key.
Lookswise, it's sleeker. Looks like a race car, but isn't nearly as smooth. Dimensions are similiar to an Ultima. IMO it'd looked better than an ultima if the design was a bit smoother (and maybe a bit more streety).
Still, since a rolling chassis costs less than US 20, it's a bargin.
I guess you could think of it as cheaper, not quite as professional Ultima. This car acutally led me to the Ultima.
Ah, if only it was as smooth as an Ultima...(or the Ultima was as sleek, the Ultima does look a bit like a bubble car
Low weight (bout the same as an Ultima), has a lower centre of gravity (slightly). Same sort of car too, Group C style.
If you were looking to race seriously, you probally wouldn't consider it (if you could afford to build a higher spec Ultima). Still, if you wanted a fast street car, and like to track it should be fine. It was built as a race car, so I doubt any road based car could compete with it.
Pretty customizable, since it's sent as a kit/turn key.
Lookswise, it's sleeker. Looks like a race car, but isn't nearly as smooth. Dimensions are similiar to an Ultima. IMO it'd looked better than an ultima if the design was a bit smoother (and maybe a bit more streety).
Still, since a rolling chassis costs less than US 20, it's a bargin.
I guess you could think of it as cheaper, not quite as professional Ultima. This car acutally led me to the Ultima.
Ah, if only it was as smooth as an Ultima...(or the Ultima was as sleek, the Ultima does look a bit like a bubble car
Went to their web site www.saker.co.nz
Nice looking car and looks to be very affordable. I'm going to contact them and get more information.
Keith
Nice looking car and looks to be very affordable. I'm going to contact them and get more information.
Keith
Like I already said guys, Ultima is obviously a much more professional operation, and therefore the car will be on another level.
"looks to be very affordable"
Think that's what it aims to be. A cheap, tunable but competitive track car. Since it was designed for racing, I'll still stand by what I said about it having (should have) the abililty to embaress road cars.
"Hmmmm, know which one I'd rather have"
I'm with you on that. The Ultima looks much cleaner, and more professional. You also have to remember that the Ultima has the advantage of a better photoshot, and a better paintjob. I saw a pic of a small NZ motorshow, with one that had a metallic paint job...looked pretty good.
You have to admit, the Saker does look sleeker, and that's the where it's got it over the Ultima aesthetically.
"The Saker just look wrong. It looks like your typical kitcar from the late 70's and 80's. From looking at it I get the impression they ran out of money to finish the design and thats what they settled on. Of course that just my opinion"
I think it was a very late 80s design. Think the first one was built in 1990, so it is an old design. Then again, it's meant for racing, not a flashy street car.
"I believe that Sakers are kit cars in the true sense of the term."
All the donor parts come from japanese cars.
Remember how cheap it is, you shouldn't expect exotic custom parts. Meant to be a cheap race car.
The thought about using the chassis from this car, and having a custom body constructed had more than crossed my mind.
Still, it'd probally be easier just buying an Ultima (although it wouldn't look as good as my design).
There's also an aussie car being built that is in the same sort of cateogory. The Redback Spider. Meant to be the real deal (not backyard, it's meant to be fully professional, with custom parts etc).
www.carbontech.com.au
Not crah hot on the open canopy, but is should be a very good performer.
"looks to be very affordable"
Think that's what it aims to be. A cheap, tunable but competitive track car. Since it was designed for racing, I'll still stand by what I said about it having (should have) the abililty to embaress road cars.
"Hmmmm, know which one I'd rather have"
I'm with you on that. The Ultima looks much cleaner, and more professional. You also have to remember that the Ultima has the advantage of a better photoshot, and a better paintjob. I saw a pic of a small NZ motorshow, with one that had a metallic paint job...looked pretty good.
You have to admit, the Saker does look sleeker, and that's the where it's got it over the Ultima aesthetically.
"The Saker just look wrong. It looks like your typical kitcar from the late 70's and 80's. From looking at it I get the impression they ran out of money to finish the design and thats what they settled on. Of course that just my opinion"
I think it was a very late 80s design. Think the first one was built in 1990, so it is an old design. Then again, it's meant for racing, not a flashy street car.
"I believe that Sakers are kit cars in the true sense of the term."
All the donor parts come from japanese cars.
Remember how cheap it is, you shouldn't expect exotic custom parts. Meant to be a cheap race car.
The thought about using the chassis from this car, and having a custom body constructed had more than crossed my mind.
Still, it'd probally be easier just buying an Ultima (although it wouldn't look as good as my design).
There's also an aussie car being built that is in the same sort of cateogory. The Redback Spider. Meant to be the real deal (not backyard, it's meant to be fully professional, with custom parts etc).
www.carbontech.com.au
Not crah hot on the open canopy, but is should be a very good performer.
Italiano,
The link isnt working at the moment, but Ive seen the Redback Spider before.
From memory, the intake scoop looked a bit much, but otherwise, not bad (I still prefer the Ultima though!)
Besides, you wouldnt happen to like them because they want to use a twin turbo 1UZFE engine would you?
Andy
The link isnt working at the moment, but Ive seen the Redback Spider before.
From memory, the intake scoop looked a bit much, but otherwise, not bad (I still prefer the Ultima though!)
Besides, you wouldnt happen to like them because they want to use a twin turbo 1UZFE engine would you?
Andy
Why not get the molds and do it yourself?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2415848898
OK, so it's not quite the same, but what the hell.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2415848898
OK, so it's not quite the same, but what the hell.
doc_fudge said:
Besides, you wouldnt happen to like them because they want to use a twin turbo 1UZFE engine would you?
You noticed that!!
Not really thinking about the lexus anymore...
Lookswise the redback is a bit strange (open cockpit, and the front). Looks more extreme, but I'd go for the Ultima, that's why I'm here
I've talked to the Saker guys in New Zealand a while back about putting a Skyline RB26DETT or a V8 in. This is Bruce's reply:
----------------
We are able to fit a Skyline 6 turbo engine into the Saker chassis if required. There are ample air intakes for radiator oil coolers, intercoolers etc. at front, both sides and top air box.
The most common tranzaxle used in this type of car with high horsepower is a ZF G51 from a 930 Porsche.
Most extras that you have requested are possible. Something to have in mind is that the Saker was designed for total performance first and creature comforts as can be added.
I believe that a Possum Bourne "Gold Rush" WRX engine would be a better power unit, half the weight with not much less horsepower.
If you wish to discuss this project further, please give me a ring on 06 329 2923.
Prices would be from NZ$ 63,000.00
Regards Bruce Turnbull
----------------
The Saker doesn't look as refined as the Ultima, but at a third of the price it could still be a tempting offer. I believe they're racing some in Belgium with some success.
----------------
We are able to fit a Skyline 6 turbo engine into the Saker chassis if required. There are ample air intakes for radiator oil coolers, intercoolers etc. at front, both sides and top air box.
The most common tranzaxle used in this type of car with high horsepower is a ZF G51 from a 930 Porsche.
Most extras that you have requested are possible. Something to have in mind is that the Saker was designed for total performance first and creature comforts as can be added.
I believe that a Possum Bourne "Gold Rush" WRX engine would be a better power unit, half the weight with not much less horsepower.
If you wish to discuss this project further, please give me a ring on 06 329 2923.
Prices would be from NZ$ 63,000.00
Regards Bruce Turnbull
----------------
The Saker doesn't look as refined as the Ultima, but at a third of the price it could still be a tempting offer. I believe they're racing some in Belgium with some success.
"The Saker doesn't look as refined as the Ultima, but at a third of the price it could still be a tempting offer."
That's my point...glad to see someone agrees with me. Guys, do you really expect it to be Ulima quality at (less than) 1/3rd the price.
"Prices would be from NZ$ 63,000.00"
I talked to them too. I got the impression that you could get a sprint roller from about 25-30k NZ (Maybe less).
The base kits were 16k for the sprint, 20 for the SV1, rollers were 25/30ish respectively. Completed cars were mid 40s for the sprint (that's what they told me, and what's on their site), and 60+ for the SV1. They might have bunped them up...still I'd think you'd want a rolling chassis, not a complete car.
I think the car would be pretty good performance wise. It's a race developed chassis (this guy also builds the chassis for a good countach replica company, which races and beats the exotics).
Still, if the looks were updated,modernized...it's a bit like the ultima, looks great from some angles, weird/bad from others.
The webpage is www.saker.co.nz , they also have webpages for europe, australia and the US.
Remember the sprint weighs something like 700kgs (not far off an F1 car), it wouldn't take much to make it go. Read their race reports, with a standard WRX engine, the only thing that takes them easily is a 700hp GT2.
WRX engine would be good for a sprint, mod it to 350kw, with 700kgs....you'd want a v6TT or v8 for the SV1 though.
The price does make it really attractive, and I'm sure they look pretty awesome in real life (remember the ultimas have nice paintjobs, most of the sakers in those pics don't).
Maybe I'll get both, maybe also get a redback, stealth and a GT1 replica (using real porsche parts, custom chassis etc, be the only comfortable car out of the lot). Would make a nice garage, maybe add a real 962 to that
That's my point...glad to see someone agrees with me. Guys, do you really expect it to be Ulima quality at (less than) 1/3rd the price.
"Prices would be from NZ$ 63,000.00"
I talked to them too. I got the impression that you could get a sprint roller from about 25-30k NZ (Maybe less).
The base kits were 16k for the sprint, 20 for the SV1, rollers were 25/30ish respectively. Completed cars were mid 40s for the sprint (that's what they told me, and what's on their site), and 60+ for the SV1. They might have bunped them up...still I'd think you'd want a rolling chassis, not a complete car.
I think the car would be pretty good performance wise. It's a race developed chassis (this guy also builds the chassis for a good countach replica company, which races and beats the exotics).
Still, if the looks were updated,modernized...it's a bit like the ultima, looks great from some angles, weird/bad from others.
The webpage is www.saker.co.nz , they also have webpages for europe, australia and the US.
Remember the sprint weighs something like 700kgs (not far off an F1 car), it wouldn't take much to make it go. Read their race reports, with a standard WRX engine, the only thing that takes them easily is a 700hp GT2.
WRX engine would be good for a sprint, mod it to 350kw, with 700kgs....you'd want a v6TT or v8 for the SV1 though.
The price does make it really attractive, and I'm sure they look pretty awesome in real life (remember the ultimas have nice paintjobs, most of the sakers in those pics don't).
Maybe I'll get both, maybe also get a redback, stealth and a GT1 replica (using real porsche parts, custom chassis etc, be the only comfortable car out of the lot). Would make a nice garage, maybe add a real 962 to that
wooden???
anyway if any of you want to see what I just spent 10 mins of my life on, go to www.geocities.com/italiano4442000/
shows a makeover....spent about 20-30 secs on it so don't laugh/take it seriously, but it gives an idea of how it can look quite a bit better.
actually took me longer to upload the pics than to make the pic itself.
I'd say the saker's main fault lookswise is that it's not nearly as clean as the ultima. I used the sprint version, mainly because it lacked the top, and the doors. Much cleaner look.
Still, put any engine in it, and at 700kgs, it's gonna move. Also remember it's got great traction, and probally a lower centre of gravity than the ultima. however, the chassis is obviously not going to be as well developed, but the lack of weight helps make up for that.
give it 350hp, and that's gonna be 2kgs/hp. Wonder how much the chassis can handle, wouldn't mind putting 450-500 through it
Could do it all for a 50kAU project, possibily quite a bit less (about 35k US).
I remember wanting to do this 1 and a half years ago...
anyway if any of you want to see what I just spent 10 mins of my life on, go to www.geocities.com/italiano4442000/
shows a makeover....spent about 20-30 secs on it so don't laugh/take it seriously, but it gives an idea of how it can look quite a bit better.
actually took me longer to upload the pics than to make the pic itself.
I'd say the saker's main fault lookswise is that it's not nearly as clean as the ultima. I used the sprint version, mainly because it lacked the top, and the doors. Much cleaner look.
Still, put any engine in it, and at 700kgs, it's gonna move. Also remember it's got great traction, and probally a lower centre of gravity than the ultima. however, the chassis is obviously not going to be as well developed, but the lack of weight helps make up for that.
give it 350hp, and that's gonna be 2kgs/hp. Wonder how much the chassis can handle, wouldn't mind putting 450-500 through it
Could do it all for a 50kAU project, possibily quite a bit less (about 35k US).
I remember wanting to do this 1 and a half years ago...
I'm thinking if you (anyone) goes for one of these, they should go for the sprint version. Chuck in a turbo 4, wind up to say 500 horses, put a glass canopy in it, clean the car up (I'd say with a decent paint job, and some small changes), nice rims and this car would be crazy. Don't forget it's 700gs. I'd say if this car was built right, I'd be quite professional.
Course, I'd get the Ultima over the SVS (their roofed version, like the GTR) any day.
Still, if you really want value for money, get a bike.
Course, I'd get the Ultima over the SVS (their roofed version, like the GTR) any day.
Still, if you really want value for money, get a bike.
However I would say it is safe to assume this won't be people's only mode of transport. 
They were testing this car when I took the photos and it was pretty damn fast, sounds great too. The Saker is certainly a better option for anyone living in NZ, as far as I know there is only one Ultima here. Looks similar to a Mazda 787B, you people interested in rotarys for these cars would have a good excuse now
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-1.jpg
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-2.jpg
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-3.jpg
May need to copy/paste those links.
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-1.jpg
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-2.jpg
www.geocities.com/acet_pelo/mazda_meet/saker-3.jpg
May need to copy/paste those links.
Gassing Station | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff