VIDEO: Ultima claims Top Gear track record without show's authorization
Ultima GTR720 around the Top Gear test track - Click above to watch the video after the break
Automotive records can be funny things. While everyone seems to be interested in knowing what vehicle is the quickest, fastest, most expensive or rarest, there always seems to be plenty of dissent when one automaker claims its product takes the coveted prize away from another. Such is the case with the Ultima GTR720.
There's no doubting that both the Ferrari FXX and the Ultima GTR are fast cars. Which car is actually faster around a race track, though, is currently up for debate. The track in question is the Dunsfold aerodrome circuit, better known to many as the Top Gear test track. Not long ago, the crew from TG invited one Stig impersonator by the name of Michael Schumacher in the super high-test Ferrari racer to take a lap around its circuit, and the tame racing driver managed to set a new record at one minute 10.7 seconds.
Here's where the mine-is-bigger-than-yours part comes in. Ultima reportedly contacted Top Gear to let them know its car could go 'round the track faster than the aforementioned Prancing Horse, but the show apparently never responded. Taking matters into its own hands, then, Ultima borrowed the track for itself and is claiming to have completed a lap in one minute 9.9 seconds – less than one full tick quicker than the Ferrari, but quicker nonetheless. Plus, Ultima says, the GTR720 was both cheaper and fully road legal while the £1 million FXX is a track-only proposition.
Wanna see it all go down on video? Click past the break to watch for yourself.
[Source: EVO]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
skadebo 2:05PM (10/23/2009)
Curiously in this case, I don't really care. What's up with that?
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audi_arena 2:49PM (10/23/2009)
Because even if thier car is street legal somewhere, it's not a real car. I'm sick of them comparing it to other road cars. Lets see it go head to head with an LMP1 car, and then we'll see whats what...
Chase 4:53PM (10/23/2009)
The FXX may be based on the Enzo, but it is not an Enzo. Its no more livable than this car -- its a race car, just like this one, through and through.
df 2:06PM (10/23/2009)
would like to see stig try this car.
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Silly Pickle 2:08PM (10/23/2009)
Burrrrrrrp...mmmmmmmmm...that was a fantastic way to end the lunch hour. Hiccup! Thanks!
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Franz 2:09PM (10/23/2009)
Impressive no doubt, but people who can afford an FXX won't care.
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RJ 2:33PM (10/23/2009)
But those that CAN'T afford an FXX do care; and most people belong to that category...
Franz 4:20PM (10/23/2009)
Well, I can't afford an FXX either... and I still don't care (that it's street legal, not that it's faster). Then again, street legal track day cars like the Ultima don't really appeal to me. If I'm gonna spend upwards of £65000 for a vehicle that uses streetability as a selling point, it's gotta offer more streetability than this does. Otherwise I may as well just get a dedicated track car. Who's really gonna drive this thing on the street shod with R compounds anyway? And if you put streetable tires on it, prepare to lose a few seconds on that lap time... either that or get someone to haul your track wheels, tires & jack out to the racetrack for you. I'd definitely love to have one of these cars as a track only affair, so it's not that I'm knocking it. It's just that the fact that it's street legal doesn't make it any more attractive in my eyes, since I wouldn't be buying it for the street.
The Hit 12:16AM (10/24/2009)
I agree that most people won't care; but only because Ultima is a no name brand compared to Ferrari.
vespid82 2:20PM (10/23/2009)
Pwnt.
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JayP 2:21PM (10/23/2009)
Lutz in his CTS-V would beat this guy blindfolded.
Wait... maybe not.
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Rich 2:24PM (10/23/2009)
No, probably true. Unless you meant "Lutz in his CTS-V, blindfolded, would beat this guy."
I know they say word order doesn't matter much in English, does but it.
JayP 2:44PM (10/23/2009)
That's what I get for reading blogs during English class.
ua5j32a2 2:21PM (10/23/2009)
Yes, the Ultima is cheaper and allegedly faster on this track.
However, by leasing an FXX, you are entered into Scuderia Ferrari and essentially become a test driver for the Scuderia at 13 various tracks around the world, with full crew and tech support.
You don't get that with an Ultima. Still, kudos for building a fast, cool car. :)
There is just one problem. I can't afford either one of them. :(
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homunculus 2:23PM (10/23/2009)
since it's built in a shed in the midlands, a certain someone will call it the best supercar... in the wooorld.
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Rich 2:25PM (10/23/2009)
In a shed, in the Midlands, by a man who talks funny.
HotRodzNKustoms 2:29PM (10/23/2009)
In a shed, in the midlands, by a man who talks funny, with a pipe and a beard
Redline 3:11PM (10/23/2009)
In a shed, in the midlands, by a man who talks funny, with a pipe and a beard and who smells of cabbage.
LaserRed38 3:29PM (10/23/2009)
Rank up. Rank up. Rank up. Rank up.
Awthankyou lol... :D
Matt 7:37AM (10/24/2009)
In a shed, in the midlands, by a man who talks funny, with a pipe and a beard and who smells of cabbage and has elbow patches on his jacket