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She ain’t pretty, but the 1,020-horsepower Ultima Evolution more than gets the job done

Don’t let the homemade look fool you. Ultima, the British sports car manufacturer based in Hinckley, has revealed its latest creation, and it is one potent home brew.

Dubbed the Ultima Evolution, the latest car replaces the GT-R and Can Am models it has manufactured since 1992. After 15 years, the well-received kit cars have been discontinued with Evolution taking their places in a few different forms.

Ultima Evolution coupe
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The most impressive, however it the top of the line option that pairs the track toy with a 6.8-liter Chevrolet LS supercharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 1,020 horsepower and 920 pound-feet of torque. That’s already a mind blowing amount of power without mentioning that its all just carbon fiber and roll cage, weighing just a little over 2,000 pounds. To put it into perspective, its like giving the Lotus Exige the power output of the Bugatti Grand Sport.

What the results is a car with a 0 to 60 time of 2.3 seconds and can shoot up to 100 mph in just under 5 seconds. It’s capable of topping out at over 240 miles per hour, but that’s reserved for drivers who are prepared to vacate this mortal coil.

Ultima Evolution coupe
Image used with permission by copyright holder

With a price at roughly $150,000 dollars, it’s a steal for the return in power shoppers are getting. If that’s a little high up for some track fun, there are around 15 different configurations available. Also keep in mind that anyone shopping from the states better have some IKEA allen keys handy: lots of assembly will be required. Those based elsewhere may be able to have a turnkey Ultima Evolution dropped off at their doorstep, ready for use.

There’s a coupe and convertible version available for the Evolution, as well as a few options to make the kit car somewhat livable, like satellite navigation. To anyone saying they don’t make “pure” performance cars anymore: you now stand corrected.

Alexander Kalogianni
Alex K is an automotive writer based in New York. When not at his keyboard or behind the wheel of a car, Alex spends a lot of…
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