Thursday 3rd May 2007

Very mean and now green

Ultima launches green 800bhp engine package

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Expect a minimum of 565bhp

British sports car manufacturer Ultima Sports has announced what it calls a new, worldwide, emissions-friendly engine option for fitment into the Ultima GTR and Ultima Can-Am. And it goes on show this weekend.

But just because it's green, don't go thinking that means it's dull.

It's the mighty aluminium 7-litre V8 Chevrolet LS7 motor from the latest C6 Z06 Corvette, and it's available as a complete turnkey package in conjunction with Ultima's OE engine suppliers American Speed.

The engine is installed in standard form, complete with full catalytic exhaust system and dry sump oiling installation. In the Z06 it cranks out 505bhp, but with an Ultima-built exhaust system it develops 565bhp and 520ft-lb torque. A change of camshafts delivers 650bhp, while the addition of a supercharger provides a very full-fat 800bhp. Remarkably, both the latter options still meet emissions standards.

Company boss Richard Marlow said: "This is a natural progression for us here at the factory as it enables us to tackle the emission stringent European market head-on with our sensational GTR and Can-Am models.

Ultima's LHD Can-Am demonstrator

The LS7-equipped Can-Am model which we have built in left-hand drive format will shortly be on its way to Europe for promotional duties. It has already passed SVA and undergone a full testing and evaluation program by us here at the factory and is a lovely unit. Our Ultima-specific LS7 package has been fully developed for production in all respects and is now available for our customers to purchase.

The 800bhp supercharged option will be rather brisk, which I'm confident will enable us to notch up yet further world speed records for our marque in the future should we ever choose to do so."

Ultima will still continue to primarily promote the range of American Speed-supplied, previous-generation Chevrolet V8 engine packages. These are available from 300bhp upwards, and can therefore be purchased for considerably less than the LS7 option.

The Ultima Can-Am featuring the full LS7 engine package will be on display at the National Kit Car Motor Show this bank holiday weekend on 6th/7th May at the NAC, Stoneleigh, in exhibition hall 2, where prices will also be announced.

More info here:

www.ultimasports.co.uk

www.amerspeed.com

[Jeffers_S13]

Cool

[kingb]

so its not so much of a new green engine just a ultima with a modern engine which is a bit cleaner

love it thou - ill have mine in GTR form and black please

[sprinter885]

How green & powerful would it be on Bio ethanol ?? p.s. clicking on the article first took me to list of previous Ultima articles & ended up reading PetrolTed's (remember him?) report from 2004 of factory visit & test rides-impressive or what? I never realised how flexible an Ultima was & with road-worthy suspenders too. Sounds like a damn sight cheaper version of a Ruf Porsche.

p.p.s.-my post's gone cammo green-is that a change from the blue it started with-or are we having different colours each day?

Edited by sprinter885 on Thursday 3rd May 11:03

[runnersp]

Emissions friendly??? All they did was whack on a couple of cats... Its like saying cigarettes with filters are less harmful than cigarettes without... Not that I care about emissions, quite the opposite in fact... Lovely car though...

[jon-]

Last I heard about ultimas was the consumables, especially around the suspension area wear out mind numbingly quick with any serious road use. My friend bought a noble instead.

I'd still sell my left testicle for one.

[chrisbr68]

Agree about the green - how is this car green?

But... WOOOOOOWWWW!¬!!! I would love one of these or even just to go for a spin in one. 800bhp, it must be insaaaaane!!!

[Fire99]

800bhp version please!!

[lawrence5]

Mmmmm LS7..... a chassis up to the job would be a bonus

[lawrence5]

PS Arash designed body on ebay.......... flirting with Ultima chassis


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lemans-GT-kit-c

[andynormancx]

runnersp said:

Emissions friendly??? All they did was whack on a couple of cats... Its like saying cigarettes with filters are less harmful than cigarettes without... Not that I care about emissions, quite the opposite in fact... Lovely car though...

It isn't just the cats. Most Ultimas are carbed, the LS7 engine is fuel injected with lower fuel consumption and emissions than a carbed one.

The LS7 engined Ultima will have to meet modern emissions tests, whereas carbed ones that use old blocks only have to pass a visual emissions test at MOT time.

[Al 450]

How the feck is that green? Compared to what, the space shuttle?

[dutchess]

lawrence5 said:

Mmmmm LS7..... a chassis up to the job would be a bonus

Are you kidding? If Mclaren used the chassis to test the engines for the F1, thats gotta be an endorsement in anyone's books

My only concern is how much I have to change my part-built GTR to get one of these things in it, as there is no way I'm going to go for old tech now!

I wonder how Ultima solved the fuel problems? Back when I bought my chassis (I'm the worlds slowest Ultima builder!) Ted was so anti fuel injection that I left the factory thinking FI was the root of all evils. Something to do with the old engines melting if they got starved of fuel. Would be nice to find out...

[chuntington101]

wonder what SC they are planning on running??? the 112 magy wont flow that much and the Kene Bell would be a tight fit in a Can-am!

thanks Chris.

[ultimad]

Jeez. So the question that must be asked now is .... who wants to buy a 610BHP SBC with 600 miles on the clock off me ?

[v8owner]

dutchess said:

My only concern is how much I have to change my part-built GTR to get one of these things in it, as there is no way I'm going to go for old tech now!

ditto.. Before I go any further reckon im gonna have to speak to somebody...!
reckon its gonna be a busy stand for them this weekend?!

[Pilot Pete]

OMG
Well done the factory that didn't take to long to cotten on to the ls engine......

[steve_d]

How come we (existing PH Ultima owners) did not get wind of this before. They must have been working on it for a while to have a road legal demonstrator.

Steve

[chrisx666]

I have always thought the Ultima 'production car' status a bit far fetched if a 'pre-92' engine block had to be used to get around emission standards. This is a good move IMO that adds credibility.

[anonymous-user]

Holy cow! Can't begin to imagine just how FAST that darned thing will be!

[Oh sorry. As so many PHers are always saying it's a pushrod engine so probably isn't much good anyway, especially in a track car.....]

[ricola]

about time too!