A new low-volume supercar is preparing to enter the American market, combining lightweight engineering with old-school V8 power. Although it will be built in the United States, its story actually begins in Britain with one of the most respected names in boutique performance cars.
Peregryn Automotive has acquired the intellectual property, tooling, and production rights for the entire Ultima Cars lineup. The company plans to relocate manufacturing to the U.S. while offering fully assembled vehicles instead of the kit-car format Ultima became famous for.
Two models are planned, the road-focused GT-S and the track-oriented GT-R. Both will use naturally aspirated or supercharged Chevrolet LS- and LT-series V8 engines, giving buyers familiar American power wrapped in a lightweight British-inspired chassis.
The headline figures are certainly impressive. The flagship GT-R targets up to 700 horsepower, a claimed 0-60 mph sprint of just 2.2 seconds, and an astonishing dry weight of approximately 2,100 pounds, making it lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata.
British DNA With American Manufacturing
While Peregryn is introducing itself as an American manufacturer, the cars themselves are heavily based on Ultima’s long-established designs. Ultima has spent decades building ultra-lightweight, Le Mans-inspired performance cars in the United Kingdom, earning a loyal following among enthusiasts.
Following the acquisition, Peregryn intends to build the cars entirely in the United States. The biggest change for customers is that the vehicles will now be delivered fully assembled, eliminating the need for buyers to complete the build themselves.
The company is led by entrepreneurs Chris Eby and Mike Ellis. Peregryn says production will remain limited, although it has not announced exactly how many cars it plans to build each year.
Two Models With Different Missions
The GT-S is designed as the more road-friendly option. Peregryn says it will produce over 500 horsepower, exceed 200 mph, and offer buyers the choice between traditional analog gauges or a modern digital instrument display.
The GT-R is aimed squarely at track-day enthusiasts. It raises output to as much as 700 horsepower while adding race-focused suspension, a sequential transmission, motorsport electronics, and an aggressive carbon-fiber aerodynamic package.
According to the company, the aero package generates more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at speed. AP Racing brakes are also claimed to bring the car from 100 mph to a complete stop in just 3.6 seconds.
Lightweight Engineering Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most impressive specification isn’t the horsepower figure but the vehicle’s weight. Peregryn estimates the GT-R will tip the scales at only around 2,100 pounds dry, giving it one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in its class.
The cars are built around a lightweight spaceframe chassis, continuing the engineering philosophy that made Ultima’s models famous. Combined with the powerful GM V8 engines, the low curb weight should deliver exceptional straight-line performance and sharp handling.
Choosing Chevrolet’s LS- and LT-series engines also provides owners with a major practical advantage. Replacement parts, upgrades, and aftermarket tuning options are widely available across North America, making ownership considerably simpler than many exotic supercars.
Corvette Money, Boutique Exclusivity
Peregryn expects pricing to begin at approximately $195,000. That places both models in the same general price range as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, although the two cars offer very different ownership experiences.
The Corvette benefits from General Motors’ engineering resources, nationwide dealer network, and factory warranty support. Peregryn, meanwhile, is targeting buyers who value exclusivity, lightweight construction, and race-inspired design over mass-market convenience.
Production is scheduled to begin in March 2027, with the first customer deliveries expected during April or May. If everything stays on schedule, American buyers will soon have access to one of the lightest and most extreme V8-powered supercars available anywhere.
Would you choose the proven Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, or would you take a chance on Peregryn’s British-born, American-built supercar? Let us know in the comments below.