Beyond the Usual Suspects
The Chevrolet C8 Corvette has proven time and again that it is a bargain supercar, delivering performance comparable to European exotics without the hefty price tag. Despite that value proposition, some buyers may prefer something less mainstream and more exclusive.
Peregryn Automotive may be able to address just that after acquiring the intellectual property, rights, and tooling for the entire Ultima Cars range. Led by entrepreneurs Chris Eby and Mike Ellis, Peregryn will move production and assembly from the UK to the U.S., with two planned models: the GT-S and GT-R. For context, Ultima is a low-volume British manufacturer known for its ultra-lightweight supercars.
One for Roads, One for Lap Times
The GT-S is a road-going grand tourer with more than 500 horsepower and a top speed exceeding 200 mph. It prioritizes comfort and luxury, with prospective buyers able to choose between digital and analog dashboards. The GT-R, meanwhile, is the track-focused version, producing up to 700 horsepower and delivering an estimated zero-to-60-mph time of 2.2 seconds – about as quick as a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Both Peregryn models will be available with Chevrolet LS- or LT-series V8 engines, giving future GT-S and GT-R owners access to massive aftermarket support available stateside.
Unlike Ultima’s traditional kit-car offerings, Peregryn Automotive will offer fully assembled, turnkey vehicles built in the U.S. Other notable specifications include AP Racing brakes capable of stopping the car from 100 mph in 3.6 seconds, a carbon-fiber aero package generating more than 1,200 pounds of downforce, and a full spaceframe chassis. With an estimated dry weight of just 2,100 pounds, the cars will preserve Ultima’s longstanding emphasis on power-to-weight ratio.
A More Expensive Way to Be Different
Pricing starts at an estimated $195,000, putting the cars in roughly the same price range as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. There are few direct competitors at that price. However, budget-conscious buyers looking for something similar could consider the Superlite SL-C, a lightweight kit car commonly built with GM LS-series V8 engines. Its standard kit starts at $64,500, according to the company’s customer-facing website.
Peregryn Automotive says production will ramp up in March 2027, with the first deliveries expected in April or May. The company – whose roots date back more than four decades and are closely tied to Le Mans-inspired performance – says production will be limited but has not announced a firm cap.
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