RE: Ultima reveals new 'RS' model

RE: Ultima reveals new 'RS' model

Monday 10th June 2019

Ultima reveals new 'RS' model

Well of course it's the fastest one ever, but it's also "the most versatile, stylish and aerodynamic" Ultima, too...



It’s easy to see the appeal of an Ultima in 2019; as the automotive world apparently strives to put ever more distance between car and driver, Ultima’s commitment to a pure sports car experience sounds really rather good. Now that experience is set to take another step forward, with this new RS model.

Described by Ultima as “the most thorough and comprehensive revision” of the product in its 35-year history, this RS promises not only to be more capable than ever, but more comfortable as well.


Fear not, however, as the fundamentals have not changed. The Ultima RS is still powered by a Chevrolet V8 (with anything from 480 to 1,200hp), channelling that power through a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It still looks like a mini Group C racer (albeit with a significant aerodynamic overhaul from before) and can be bought, in kit form, for “the same ballpark price as a mundane new BMW M3”, says Ultima. In the most potent, LT5 spec currently released – this is a 930kg car, remember – Ultima says an RS is capable of 0-150mph in less than nine seconds.

While still recognisable as an Ultima, the RS has been subjected to extensive wind tunnel testing and a raft of new body parts as a result. See the front splitter and dive planes, GT3 RS-esque wheel arch vents, prominent side scoops and enormous rear diffuser. Even the front canopy has been redesigned, to reduce frontal area and therefore drag. Ultima says the design reflects a need for both increased cooling and airflow as well as outright downforce. This is the most versatile Ultima yet, don’t forget…

This hasn’t suddenly become a McLaren Grand Tourer, because that would be missing the point, but RS buyers can choose from a new hydraulic front lift kit, and a quieter stainless steel exhaust. The official line is that as well as being “pure and blisteringly fast, it’s also ideal for touring in comfort.” Sounds like the perfect claim to be tested with a Nurburgring road trip, right?


Further points of note for this new car include larger AP Racing brakes (now 362mm at each corner), bespoke forged wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. All told, Ultima reckons the RS has “the performance capability to wipe the floor with every road going supercar on the planet.” Quite the claim, though with 800hp and less than a tonne to move, it’s certainly not baseless.

Ultima will reveal the new RS to expectant crowds at the Festival of Speed next month, where it will be taking pride of place on the Michelin stand. The car is available to order now, either as a self-assembly package or a turnkey factory build, though you’ll be waiting two years for one of the latter because of current demand. Still, if it’s as good as the claims and the numbers suggest, this RS could well be worth the wait…







Author
Discussion

Fetchez la vache

Original Poster:

5,568 posts

213 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Interesting that (from the stats on the website) it seems the RS knocks a second off the 0-100-0mph record.
Blisteringly and mindblowingly quick, and now really rather nice to look at.

Good job, Ultima!

craig r

217 posts

162 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Painfully cool cool

Instantly jumps to the top of the lottery win list!

Gameface

16,565 posts

76 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Shame they didn't take the opportunity to improve the interior, but other than that it's fantastic.

sjc

13,884 posts

269 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Gameface said:
Shame they didn't take the opportunity to improve the interior, but other than that it's fantastic.
Thought exactly the same.

Wonderman

2,223 posts

194 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Are the two holdalls so they can shovel your remains into post crash? That does look great, and the photographer has done well to show it off at some very flattering angles. The 'order now' is a 'ask for a quote', what is ballpark price for a built one, think I'd need the two year lead time for full time training to do justice to about 10% of its capabilities.

Electra

63 posts

137 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
I was waiting for PH to post this.
I have been following the Ultima since I got a passenger ride in the silver 500 BHP GTR demonstrator back in 2007. I still remember the experience: hilariously fast in corners and straights, compliant suspension too. Fantastic sound... The RS must be an absolutely fabulous car, looking forward to reviews.

Sandpit Steve

9,885 posts

73 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
If I put some stickers on it, do you reckon I could sneak it into the paddock at Le Mans? biggrin

A proper little racing car for the road, well done Ultima!

Cylon2007

513 posts

77 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
I like that cool

StuH

2,557 posts

272 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
That is the dogs!

I remember an ultima flying past me on a track day when I had my M12 many years ago cloud9

So if I have this right it can manage 0-150-0 in 9.8 seconds?!

MarJay

2,173 posts

174 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
"Copy and Paste from an Ultima press release? Great, now I can go down the pub!"

Jex

837 posts

127 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Wonderman said:
Are the two holdalls so they can shovel your remains into post crash?
smile I wondered that. Can they fit into it anywhere?

Esceptico

7,347 posts

108 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Jex said:
Wonderman said:
Are the two holdalls so they can shovel your remains into post crash?
smile I wondered that. Can they fit into it anywhere?
I did wonder. If the seats are fixed back then even if there is space behind how do you access it? Unless perhaps you lift the rear clam shell?

Electra

63 posts

137 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Jex said:
smile I wondered that. Can they fit into it anywhere?
but they look large, no? should be enough for a weekend trip one would think smile

Electra

63 posts

137 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Esceptico said:
Jex said:
Wonderman said:
Are the two holdalls so they can shovel your remains into post crash?
smile I wondered that. Can they fit into it anywhere?
I did wonder. If the seats are fixed back then even if there is space behind how do you access it? Unless perhaps you lift the rear clam shell?
they are placed at the space provided at the sills. The sill cover is carbon fiber, and you access the space after you open the doors. Check the pics on the Evo model. The McLaren F1 offered a similar solution.

Redline88

381 posts

105 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Absolutely fantastic!! Would love a chance to drive one of these!

Esceptico

7,347 posts

108 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
If I were doing lots of car track days this would be of interest. Personally I think less might be more as the "low powered" NA engine with 480 bhp is surely already as much (or more) power than you would ever need on the road and even on track I don't see the point of excessive power - at least to me the fun bits on track (and road) are the corners, not the straights, and so spending less time on the straights not that important (although I suppose it might mean you fit in more corners in your session).

They suggest £60k for the lowest powered but presumably that is a kit. How much more for fully built?

MikeT66

2,680 posts

123 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Wow - fantastic. I don't think I could ever drive this without imagining that long stretch of the Mulsanne Straight in front of me - even if it was a quick nip to the supermarket.

Do those luggage bags actually fit in the car? The only place I can see is on those wide door entry points.

WCZ

10,492 posts

193 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Esceptico said:
If I were doing lots of car track days this would be of interest. Personally I think less might be more as the "low powered" NA engine with 480 bhp is surely already as much (or more) power than you would ever need on the road and even on track I don't see the point of excessive power - at least to me the fun bits on track (and road) are the corners, not the straights, and so spending less time on the straights not that important (although I suppose it might mean you fit in more corners in your session).

They suggest £60k for the lowest powered but presumably that is a kit. How much more for fully built?
another £30k or so.

these are insanely good value for money cars though.

the only annoying thing is they don't benchmark them enough so I know they could be setting lap records for many circuits way beyond the Senna/Pista times.

have to wonder what the 1200hp version of this could do around the ring with a talented driver

Jex

837 posts

127 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Electra said:
Esceptico said:
Jex said:
Wonderman said:
Are the two holdalls so they can shovel your remains into post crash?
smile I wondered that. Can they fit into it anywhere?
I did wonder. If the seats are fixed back then even if there is space behind how do you access it? Unless perhaps you lift the rear clam shell?
they are placed at the space provided at the sills. The sill cover is carbon fiber, and you access the space after you open the doors. Check the pics on the Evo model. The McLaren F1 offered a similar solution.
Thanks - not too bad at all then.

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
WCZ said:
Esceptico said:
If I were doing lots of car track days this would be of interest. Personally I think less might be more as the "low powered" NA engine with 480 bhp is surely already as much (or more) power than you would ever need on the road and even on track I don't see the point of excessive power - at least to me the fun bits on track (and road) are the corners, not the straights, and so spending less time on the straights not that important (although I suppose it might mean you fit in more corners in your session).

They suggest £60k for the lowest powered but presumably that is a kit. How much more for fully built?
another £30k or so.

these are insanely good value for money cars though.

the only annoying thing is they don't benchmark them enough so I know they could be setting lap records for many circuits way beyond the Senna/Pista times.

have to wonder what the 1200hp version of this could do around the ring with a talented driver
A short while ago, a factory built kit was around £95k for the Evo (just over 1,000bhp version)..

As for benchmarking, they had some pretty interesting stuff on their page about Dunsfold, comparing the car to everything else that Top Gear had put around. For some reason TG refused to run the car around the circuit; if anyone knows why, I'd be curious to know.

They're not a huge company, so may not have the budget. I guess nothing stops private owners from Time Attack style laps, but then the problem might be that private cars possibly aren't in "stock" trim, and then everyone would complain about comparing stock vs stock.

Personally, I think the Dunsfold times are more than enough to understand what this can do; which is to say, it's bloody fast!