The fastest, most versatile, stylish and aerodynamic Ultima ever made.
Ultima Sports Ltd has been regularly supplying cars to the States for over two decades. We are highly experienced in all aspects of safely getting one of our cars to you and then providing the vital support needed to ensure your build experience is smooth and enjoyable. Regardless of where you are in the States, you will be dealing directly with the factory here in the UK throughout your build and ownership experience.
With the new Ultima RS we have pushed the Ultima legacy to its highest point ever. This new flagship model is a supercar that’s overwhelmingly capable, delivering the fastest, most sophisticated, stylish and most advanced performance package to date. The Ultima RS is the crowning glory of 35 years of successful Ultima history and the finest expression of Ultima’s core DNA.
The Ultima RS is the most thorough and comprehensive revision of the road legal Ultima supercar ever to be released.
Joining the established Ultima Evolution, the new RS is available to order now for USA delivery.
For more general information regarding building an Ultima in the States (factory support, shipping etc), please see the 'Ultima in the USA' page of this site.
From the commandingly aggressive stance with its muscular and timeless Group C Le Mans inspired lines to the extensive use of carbon fiber, the new Ultima RS was designed with one purpose in mind: performance. From the stunningly crafted roof scoop, carbon-fiber side splitters and sculpted front splitter which both feature intelligently integrated vortex generators, to the new swan neck top mounted full width carbon fiber rear wing option – each is meticulously crafted to reduce weight. Their shapes are every bit as functional as they are stunning and each has been honed to perfection as a result of extensive testing in the UK's world-renowned full size wind tunnel at the MIRA Technology park, Europe's largest transport technology R&D hub.
Unfiltered and instinctive. At its heart can be found the latest Chevrolet V8 LS and LT fuel injection powerplant options - ranging from 430bhp to a staggering 1200bhp.
Vitally, the chassis and controls communicate so vividly with the driver that you can truly exploit the extraordinary performance potential.
In terms of the design, the Ultima RS has been focused on increasing downforce and aerodynamic performance as well as increasing cooling and airflow. This can be seen in the striking design and in the extensive range of new aerodynamic elements such as the integrated chassis-mounted front splitter, front dive planes, quad wheel arch vents, vortex generators, NACA ducts, aggressive side scoops and large diffuser at the rear.
Extra cooling (especially important for some hotter States) for the powertrain and brakes is realized by means of the additional air channels in the nose, rear fenders and roof. The design of the front canopy reduces the frontal area to a minimum and also adds a lower co-efficient of drag, at the same time controlling air flow over the leading edge and maintaining a boundary layer over most surfaces. All of these factors contribute towards providing the Ultima RS with a handling balance and finesse never witnessed before. Total downforce and the ability to shift the aerodynamic balance front or rear are the guiding principles. These elements create the optimal dynamic attributes to produce the ultimate driver’s car.
The RS features bespoke Ultima designed and branded 19in lightweight forged wheels front and rear to suit the latest crop of Michelin high performance tires. The wheels have been exclusively manufactured and tailored for our application with a no compromise approach.
The new larger diameter AP Racing 362mm grooved brake discs and upgraded 6-pot brake calipers, designed specifically for the new technical parameters of the RS model by the world renowned AP Racing, give a boost to the braking performance to make the Ultima RS one of the quickest decelerating supercars of the modern era. 100mph to zero braking time is an astonishing 3.3secs.
Lightweight. This has been one of the most important of Ultima's core values for 35 years now. Many of the new optional RS aero features are manufactured in stunning lightweight carbon fiber to maximize weight saving and robustness.
The new Ultima RS has the overall performance capability to surpass all previous world-beating track times and performance statistics set by the previous generation Ultima cars. In celebrated Ultima tradition the RS has the potential to outrun every other road going hypercar on the planet, a clean sweep of every production road car world speed record is not a pipe dream with the formidable Ultima RS.
Aside from all the technical and aesthetic innovations, the RS is above all a versatile sports car. As well as being pure and blisteringly fast, it’s also ideal for touring in comfort. To this end, the driver can select from a wide range of options.
These vary from a new front ride height hydraulic lift kit system to a brand-new stainless steel exhaust system giving the driver the option of switching between a truly thunderous V8 soundtrack or a more comfortable tone. In the cockpit, creature comforts such as air-conditioning have been thoroughly developed over many years to keep driver and passenger comfortable in even the most challenging environments.
Another first is the new LED latest generation bespoke front and rear light clusters, featuring in-built fan circulation control with sequential turn signals, DRL front and rear with start up and shut down sequencing features.
New grey tinted glazing and custom made RS branded luggage bags add to the increased level of usability and sophistication.
Each and every feature is personal and bespoke, yet never making sacrifices in terms of the top performance and ultimate driving experience for which Ultima has been renowned.
Beastly, fast and ultra-lightweight. The Ultima RS is a rare breed and an expression of freedom and independence. Whether on the race track or a winding mountain road, it’s just you, your Ultima RS and nothing else …
The Ultima RS is the brainchild of Ultima Sports Ltd director Richard Marlow and is the result of an immensely enjoyable and skilled teamwork mission at the factory together with collaboration with some of the finest talent in the industry.
Richard Marlow commented
"Along with general manager at the factory Andrew Hopkins, we both had a vision and deep passion to manufacture our ultimate incarnation of Ultima utilizing all of our extensive knowledge at the factory which we have collated over our years of success. The first port of call to achieving this goal was to hire the services of renowned sports car build design engineer, Steve Smith, who was instrumental during our formative years in the creation of the Ultima brand as we know it today. Steve was hired to be the lead engineer in the design and development of the Ultima RS vision, working closely with our team of factory technicians. Such has been the success and mutual benefit of this collaboration, that Steve is now a regular team member here at Ultima Sports Ltd, helping with ongoing Ultima RS production.
"Regarding the new LT direct fuel injection engine options, we engineered a production engine package tailored to the Ultima RS design, consisting of a new in-tank fuel system, cooling system, air induction system, stainless steel exhaust system and engine wiring system.
"We’re confident the new Ultima RS has the performance capability to wipe the floor with every road going supercar on the planet. The RS is a modern interpretation of the Ultima supercar, utilizing new technology and aero knowledge which cements the future of our marque. We are already one of the most successful British independent low volume hand-built sports car manufacturers, with a long and enviable history not just here, but in the States and further afield. We know exactly what it takes to prosper in the industry that we love. Our new Ultima RS halo model is our vision of the perfect road going supercar.
"Most manufacturers seem intent on installing as many new technological driving aids into their cars as they can, steadily numbing the very feel that a sports car driver craves. To us, that’s almost sacrilege because the less input the driver has, the less they can enjoy the pure thrill of driving. That is not the Ultima way, and the results speak for themselves in the release photos. What we have achieved with the design of the new Ultima RS model is the proudest moment in our 35 year history. There is a craving amongst true driving enthusiasts for the adrenaline pumping analogue sports cars that we produce and there has never been a better time to launch this new Ultima RS flagship model."
MORE INFORMATION:
For more general information regarding building an Ultima in the States (factory support, shipping etc), please see the 'Ultima in the USA' page of this site.
Why a new RS model?
With three decades of highly successful sales and performance accomplishments with our previous models, it was time to put everything we have learnt into the new Ultima RS flagship model. The new RS has market-leading levels of downforce via revised aero systems, perfected in the MIRA wind tunnel. Every design facet of the restyled Ultima RS panels results in an increase in performance envelope capability compared to previous generation Ultima models. Performance aside, the Ultima RS is a vastly improved and modernised supercar, with even greater levels of style, fit, finish, quality, safety, driver comfort, sophistication, usability, practicality and handling finesse.
The Ultima RS model is the most thorough and complete overhaul of the road legal Ultima ever to be released, with thousands of enhancement changes to specification.
The RS is a real milestone in our company's development. The result is truly remarkable – a car that is devoid of restraint and an improvement in almost every area.
What is the performance of the Ultima RS?
The Ultima RS has the overall performance parameter capability to surpass all world beating track times and performance statistics set by the previous generation Ultima cars.
Acceleration of 0-60mph in 2.3secs with a top speed capability of over 250mph being possible with an appropriate power output choice.
How are the aerodynamics improved on the Ultima RS model?
The design brief for the Ultima RS aerodynamics was to improve high speed stability whilst reducing the co-efficient of drag to achieve a more aerodynamically efficient car, resulting in market leading levels of downforce. Minimum co-efficient of drag achieved in the MIRA wind tunnel was 0.304 with the ability to adjust downforce to a maximum of over 1000kgs.
In brief:
The front splitter has been engineered to mount directly to the chassis, thereby removing any flexibility and putting loads direct into the chassis. The optional carbon fibre version also incorporates diffuser ramps to the underside to increase downforce while minimising the co-efficient of drag. The integral vortex generators on the outside points help to control wake around turbulent air from the front wheels, at the same time giving smooth flow to the underside of front dive planes (if fitted). The carbon fibre front dive planes can be used to move the aero centre of pressure further forward and produce more downforce on the front axle. The only downside with using dive planes is that they will increase the co-efficient of drag.
The re-design of the front body has reduced the frontal area to a minimum and also adds a lower co-efficient of drag. At the same time it controls air flow over the leading edge and maintains a boundary layer over most surfaces. Now that the radiator has a totally uninterrupted flow of air it has improved cooling efficiency.
We designed an integral S Duct system for the front canopy. To control airflow at high velocity the entry into the radiator will generate a stagnation zone between high pressure and low pressure; this backs up in front of the radiator as speed increases and will bleed off through new slots in the front body stiffener moulding and exit on the top surface of the front body. This also helps with an additional small amount of downforce on the front axle while maintaining low co-efficient of drag. If air passes too fast through the radiator core you generate a boundary layer so the heat from the radiator cannot attach itself to air passing through.
The RS carbon fibre side splitters work in a similar way to the RS front splitter in that they separate airflow most importantly when the car is in yaw with medium and high speed cornering, this in turn will increase downforce on loaded tyres and prevent air rolling underneath the side pod and creating lift.
Front and rear wheel arch vents (available in body coloured gel coat or an exposed carbon fibre finish) generate downforce and reduce drag. Rear vents have the added bonus of allowing hot air to exit from the exhaust headers. The new RS carbon fibre side pod scoops come with integral NACA ducts and provide air flow for the air conditioning condenser and to the new LT engine air intake system.
The RS radiator exit divider is used to initiate air separation around the wiper arm and then further up the windscreen. The wake is used to divert the boundary layer either side of the roof scoop intake. This minimises hot air from the radiator entering the roof intake.
In full size wind tunnel testing we recorded an identical co-efficient of drag with side pod apertures completely blanked off versus side pod scoops fitted. This is due to having a very efficient exit point in the new RS rear wheel arch louvre vents. This resulted in additional down force and the centre of pressure to the rear axle increased.
New optional RS carbon fibre rear view mirrors have been moved to the front bulkhead area on the centre section to minimise disruption of the boundary layer over the top surfaces and improve airflow onto the rear wing.
To improve the efficiency of the RS rear wing it is now larger and the full width of the body. It is mounted on a new bespoke swan neck mounting system which transfers downforce directly to the chassis. The new swan neck mounting system has been engineered to increase downforce and reduce coefficient of drag, minimising wake to the bottom surface of the rear wing.
The addition of a new roof scoop has been used to improve air flow over the top of the car and maintain a boundary layer over the top surface. It also uses the intake air flow to assist in engine bay cooling.
The RS carbon fibre rear diffuser is a design feature added to enhance the appearance of the car whilst improving air separation off the rear canopy.
What are the engine fitment options for the new Ultima RS?
The engine options are the LS range of Chevrolet V8 engines and also the latest generation LT range of direct fuel injection Chevrolet V8 engines.
Even with a base LS3 crate engine at 430bhp, the lightweight mid-engine Ultima RS can propel itself to 0-60mph in 3.3 secs and over 180mph. More than enough for some serious fun!
We will not sell the Ultima RS supercar to any individuals who seek to install a different type of engine, to protect and safeguard our brand identity, purity and engineering excellence of our marque. The Ultima RS is comprehensively designed and engineered around the Chevrolet LS and LT engine installation, with a no compromise approach.
Where do I buy the engine from?
Purchase your Chevrolet V8 engine from any local GM engine supplier or engine tuner of your choice - the LS3 engine and also the latest generation LT4 direct fuel injection engine are the most popular choices.
Is the Ultima RS USA street legal?
Yes, we have gone to great lengths to design the new Ultima RS in a manner for it to be deemed road legal in most USA states, which is a hugely time-consuming and skilled task compared to simply manufacturing a track-only car. The beauty and ethos of the Ultima is that it can be enjoyed immensely on the public roads at sensible road speeds as well as on a race circuit where it can deliver devastatingly quick lap times. Driving an Ultima RS on the public roads is a wonderful event and is the kind of experience every true car enthusiast should savour and enjoy.
The Ultima RS does make a superb track day only car too, for those clients who prefer to dedicate their driving passion solely to the track.
Will there ever be a Convertible version of the Ultima RS?
No, the Ultima RS model is only available in Coupe hard top format.
Are all the new RS body panels available in an immaculate gel coat?
Yes, we have expertly manufactured a comprehensive range of new body moulds for the Ultima RS model which are of a sensational quality to enable us to offer the body panels in an immaculate market leading gel coat finish, negating the need for clients to invest in an expensive and time-consuming paint finish.
The RS demo cars pictured in orange, red and white convey our beautiful showroom standard gel coat finishes.
There are 11 different gel coat body colour choices.
Which items are available in carbon fibre?
Many of the new optional RS aero features we have developed, such as the front splitter with integral vortex generators, front dive planes, front brake ducts, side splitters with integral vortex generators, side scoops, wheel arch top vents, centre section mounted rear view mirrors, rear diffuser and new full car width swan neck top mounted rear wing system are all available in a stunning lightweight carbon fibre finish as pictured on the new Ultima RS demo car.
Other new carbon fibre panels include the cockpit side sills, luggage compartment covers, headlight clusters, fuse box access panel covers and an AIM MXS digital dashboard shroud.
Is there a PDK option?
No, the Ultima RS is a real driver’s car and therefore is only available with a six speed manual shift gearbox and a clutch pedal.
The PDK system seen on many cars nowadays is not in keeping with the ethos of an Ultima, which was primarily designed to maximize driver engagement and to provide an old school Le Mans inspired thrill like no other road going sports car in the world. We aren’t interested in the dulled down mass market driving experience and therefore the Ultima RS will always be a manual shift supercar to cater for those true driving enthusiasts who appreciate and indeed crave this philosophy.
What is the lead-time for an Ultima RS?
The lead-time is currently 12 months for a self-assembly comprehensive package.
The lead-time is currently over 4 years for a factory-built turnkey vehicle due to phenomenal global demand.
Is there a build manual for the Ultima RS?
There is a comprehensive online Ultima RS Build Manual available at: http://rs.ultimaownersresource.com/
This raises the bar in our industry and takes the successful Ultima marque to the next level.
The online build manual content provides step by step build guidance instructions, it can only be accessed by Ultima RS chassis owners and deposit holders via secure online access.
What is the procedure for ordering an Ultima RS?
Simply email the factory directly at sales@ultimasports.co.uk to discuss the specification for your Ultima RS. The factory will then prepare a quotation listing the parts that will be required to assemble your new supercar.
During the period between placing your order and being ready for delivery we will keep you up to date with progress via e-mail, including jpeg images of the parts as they are prepared.
What price range is the Ultima RS?
You can build your own new Ultima RS supercar from our tailored self-assembly package of parts for around the same ballpark price as a mundane new BMW M3, depending on options selected.
Ultima RS cars can be factory built to special order.
Please contact our team for a prompt quotation at: sales@ultimasports.co.uk
Chassis: | |
Fully updated spaceframe using mainly 38mm x 1.5mm diameter tube | |
Market leading torsional rigidity | |
Fully welded roll cage in 45mm CDS with welded rear braces | |
Powder coated in satin black | |
Panelled in 1.5mm NS4 alloy sheet | |
Wing: | |
Full car width 1780mm double element design in carbon fiber, designed with excellent rearward visibility. 9 different angle of attack adjustment positions starting at -2deg up to a maximum angle of +14degs. Curved carbon fiber wing end plates. Mounted on swan neck mounts which now transfer downforce directly to the chassis | |
Full size wind tunnel tested | |
Body: | |
Unpainted GRP finished in immaculate gel coat finish utilizing the latest advances in pigment technology | |
Front canopy reprofiled to suit 19” wheels, with front active aero via twin exit vents, front wheel arch vents in body color or carbon fiber option, radiator exit spine divider option, new front canopy hinge motion system to maximize maintenance access, additional venting | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS front splitter option with built in vortex generators | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS front dive planes option | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS brake ducts option with turning vanes | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS side splitters option with built in vortex generators | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS side scoops with integral NACA ducts option | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS wheel arch vents | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS centre section mounted wing mirrors option | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS rear diffuser option | |
Rear canopy reprofiled to suit 19” wheels, with built in twin NACA ducts, rear wheel arch vents in body color or carbon fiber option, reprofiled to accommodate a new roof scoop arrangement and large rear diffuser, additional rear wheel venting, new integral bespoke spring-loaded locking system for the rear canopy | |
Roof scoop option Le Mans style designed in the wind tunnel to provide a more efficient cold air engine intake, no extra drag with increased frontal area | |
Ultima RS badges recessed flush into body panels | |
Rear view camera and parking sensors option | |
Interior: | |
Carbon fiber Ultima RS sills option | |
Ultima RS branded leather/alcantara seats with new seat grommets to accommodate 75mm width seatbelts | |
Leather/alcantara dashboard | |
Lumbar support pneumatic for base of seats option | |
Ultima RS branded instruments color coded option | |
AIM MXS digital dash and data logging option with carbon fiber shroud | |
Carpet for the floor and rear bulkhead with color-coded piping option | |
Leather trimmed roll cage option with contrasting stitching | |
Air conditioning | |
Stainless steel handbrake lever | |
Ultima RS branded luggage bag set | |
Steering wheel mounted wireless switch gear | |
Satin black anodized switch gear with red illumination | |
Satin black anodized machined billet quick gear shifter with reverse lock out and grey anodized gear knob | |
Alpine in-car entertainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth option | |
Front ride height lift kit dashboard mounted button controls option | |
Ultima RS individually numbered build plaque | |
Lighting: | |
New LED latest generation bespoke Ultima RS front and rear light clusters, in-built fan circulation temperature control with sequential turn signals, DRL front and rear, start up and shut down sequencing feature, ergonomically designed | |
Screen: | |
Laminated glass. Full USA and European certified | |
Heated windscreen option | |
Ultima RS side screens and headlight covers grey tinted | |
Suspension: | |
TIG welded double unequal length wishbones with extended length front wishbones | |
Alloy uprights in LM25 | |
Fully adjustable custom-made Ultima RS coil spring dampers for bump, rebound and ride height. Revised specification to suit the new Ultima RS 19” standard wheels geometry | |
Ultima RS front ride height hydraulic lift kit option | |
Steering: | |
Alloy sports Ultima RS quick ratio steering rack 2.1 turns lock to lock | |
Brakes: | |
Standard: AP 322mm curved vane vented discs all round with 4-pot calipers | |
Optional: Larger Ultima RS brake fitment of 362mm x 32mm curved vane discs all round with 6-pot calipers | |
Adjustable brake bias front to rear. All stainless steel TUV hoses | |
Engine: | |
Chevrolet V8 LS and LT fuel injection powerplant options - ranging from 430bhp to 1200bhp | |
Gearbox: | |
Porsche six speed manual transaxle with anodized black machined billet quick shifter cable change system | |
Wheels: | |
Bespoke design forged lightweight 19” alloy one-piece Ultima RS wheels with Ultima RS centre caps and Ultima RS engraving | |
Tires: | |
OE fitment Michelin 19" Pilot Sport Cup 2 and Pilot Sport 4S options | |
Performance (LT5 V8 ULTIMA RS): | |
0-60mph: | 2.3 secs |
0-100mph: | 4.8 secs |
30-70mph: | 1.5 secs |
0-150mph: | 8.9 secs |
0-100-0mph: | 8.7 secs |
Standing quarter mile: | 9.2 secs @ 156mph |
Top speed: | 250+ mph (gearing limited) |
Performance (LT4 V8 ULTIMA RS): | |
0-60mph: | 2.5 secs |
0-100mph: | 5.2 secs |
30-70mph: | 1.7 secs |
0-150mph: | 10.1 secs |
0-100-0mph: | 9.1 secs |
Standing quarter mile: | 9.8 secs @ 144mph |
Top speed: | 210+ mph (gearing limited) |
Performance (LT1 V8 ULTIMA RS): | |
0-60mph: | 3.0 secs |
0-100mph: | 6.2 secs |
30-70mph: | 2.3 secs |
0-150mph: | 12.9 secs |
0-100-0mph: | 10.1 secs |
Standing quarter mile: | 11.2 secs @ 131mph |
Top speed: | 180+ mph |
Performance (LS3 430bhp V8 ULTIMA RS): | |
0-60mph: | 3.3 secs |
0-100mph: | 6.6 secs |
30-70mph: | 2.5 secs |
0-150mph: | 13.6 secs |
0-100-0mph: | 10.5 secs |
Standing quarter mile: | 11.6 secs @ 127mph |
Top speed: | 180+ mph |
Dimensions: | |
Length: | 4170mm |
Width: | 1900mm |
Height: | 1125mm |
Wheelbase: | 2562mm |
Ground clearance: | Adjustable but factory-recommended road settings are Rear 160mm/Front 110mm (145mm with optional front lift kit activated) |
Weight: | 930kg (dependent on options selected) |