British carmaker Ultima describes its GTR as "the quickest accelerating and decelerating supercar of all time and multiple world speed record holder." Well, the GTR, along with the Can-Am, is no more. Ultima has announced their replacement, the Evolution.
Gone as they may be, the GTR and and the Can-Am are not forgotten, with the Evolution featuring the same Le Mans Group C-inspired body-shape as its forbears. The chassis has been further developed, however, with Ultima boasting of improved performance, road holding and safety as a result.
Despite this hat-tip to the older models, Ultima is keen to make one thing very clear: the Evolution is a vastly improved supercar in every sense. The firm talks of it being the culmination of over 15 years of continuous research since the launch of the GTR and the Can-Am.
The car is available as a coupé or a convertible. It is powered by a fuel-injected LS Chevrolet V8 engine and is available with over 15 different power level options ranging from 350 bhp to an impressive 1,020 bhp. That's a lot of ponies, but still quite a few less than the best from Hennessey and Koenigsegg. It does, however, weigh just 950 kg (2,094 lb), and that most certainly is among the least of any supercar. As a result, the Evolution is quick.
Ultima says it has already recorded a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 2.3 seconds, a 0-100 mph (161 km/h) time of 4.9 seconds and a 0-150 mph (241 km/h) time of 8.9 seconds. The standing quarter mile (0.4 km) is reportedly achievable in 9.2 seconds, with the car hitting 156 mph (251 km/h).
Just to be clear, Ultima claims every one of those as a world record. The current list of fastest cars over a standing quarter mile provides a little more context. If it is verified, the Evolution's time will blow the rest of the competition away, smashing LaFerrari's time by a huge 0.5 seconds. Elsewhere, the the Evolution is said to produce 920 lb.ft (1,247 Nm) of torque and tops out at over 240 mph (386 km/h).
The car features a six-speed manual Porsche gearbox with a quick-shift cable change system. It has custom-made coil spring dampers that are fully adjustable for bump, rebound and ride-height, as well as unequal length double-wishbone suspension. Forged one-piece lightweight alloy wheels measure 9 x 18-in at the front and 13.5 x 18-in at the rear and are fitted with Michelin PS2 tires.
For all the high-performance bluster, there are also some points of conspicuous practicality in the Evolution. Rear parking sensors are employed, for example, along with a rear-view reversing camera mounted into the rear grill. LEDs are used for both the headlight and taillight clusters too.
Inside, there is a satnav system, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and an Alpine car stereo and speaker system. The steering wheel has wireless integrated button controls and a flat bottom for easier driver access.
Among other interior styling features are a carbon fiber central console, a new-style engine start button and a stainless steel handbrake lever. The seats and dashboard are finished in leather/alcantara trim, with stitching and piping available in a variety of colors.
Ultima is accepting orders for the Evolution now, with prices starting at £65,995 (about US$100,000). The first cars are expected to be delivered in September, with international shipping available.
Source: Ultima
