Ultima GTR 720
The Ultima GTR is one of the most extreme road-legal cars ever built. Developed by Ultima Sports in Hinckley, Leicestershire, it started life as a kit car but evolved into a fully built turnkey supercar capable of humbling the most exotic machinery on any track. Powered by Chevrolet LS-series V8 engines in various states of tune — from a naturally aspirated 350 hp to a supercharged 720 hp — the GTR weighs just 990 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio that few production cars can match.
The GTR made headlines when it lapped the Top Gear test track faster than any other car tested, including the Bugatti Veyron, Pagani Zonda, and various Ferraris and McLarens. It then set a Guinness World Record for the fastest 0-100-0 mph time at just 9.4 seconds, demonstrating not just its straight-line speed but also its phenomenal braking capability.
The car uses a tubular steel space frame chassis with fiberglass bodywork, double wishbone suspension at all four corners, and a Porsche G50 transaxle mounted at the rear. The Chevrolet LS engine sits amidships, providing excellent weight distribution. Despite its exotic performance, the use of proven Chevrolet and Porsche components means reliability is surprisingly good and servicing costs are reasonable.
The Ultima GTR proves that outright performance doesn't require a seven-figure price tag. While it lacks the refinement and prestige of Italian supercars, it delivers a driving experience that is more raw, more visceral, and arguably more thrilling. For track-day enthusiasts and performance purists, the GTR represents perhaps the most cost-effective route to genuine hypercar performance.
Kit-built or factory-built status matters — factory-built commands a premium. Check chassis for alignment and crash damage. Chevrolet LS engines are robust and parts are readily available. Porsche G50 transaxle is strong but expensive to rebuild. Check bodywork fitment — kit-built cars can vary in quality. Cooling system adequacy is crucial for track use. AP Racing brakes need regular maintenance. Get a specialist inspection regardless of provenance.
Built by Ultima Sports in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Available as a kit or fully built turnkey car. Uses Chevrolet LS-series V8 engines with various power outputs. Porsche G50 transaxle. Tubular steel space frame with fiberglass bodywork. Held the Top Gear lap record and Guinness World Record 0-100-0 mph.