Ultima

The origins of Ultima date back to 1983 when designer Lee Noble founded Noble Motorsport to produce the Ultima Mk1. The early iterations, including the Mk2 and Mk3, were primarily developed for racing and gained significant attention for their aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight construction. Notably, the Ultima Mk3 was used by McLaren as a testbed for the BMW V12 engine and transaxle during the development of the McLaren F1. In 1992, Ted Marlow and his son Richard acquired the rights to the Ultima platform and formed Ultima Sports Ltd in Hinckley, Leicestershire. Under the Marlows' leadership, the brand transitioned from a niche kit manufacturer into a world-record-breaking specialist. The launch of the Ultima GTR in 1999 solidified the company's reputation, as it went on to set multiple world records for 0-100-0 mph times, often outperforming the most expensive production supercars of the era. Throughout the 2010s, Ultima continued to evolve its platform, maintaining a modular design that allowed for massive power outputs from Chevrolet V8 engines. In 2015, they introduced the Ultima Evolution, which featured a modernized cockpit and enhanced aerodynamics. This was followed in 2019 by the Ultima RS, the company's most advanced model to date, featuring LMP-inspired bodywork and compatibility with the latest LT-series direct-injection V8 engines. Today, Ultima remains a family-run business that maintains a loyal global following. They are unique in the industry for their longevity and their ability to maintain extreme performance standards without the use of complex electronic driver aids, adhering to a raw and mechanical driving experience.