Ultima RS Kit Car vs. Tesla Model S Plaid – Street Hits

December 29th, 2021

One might think that the Ultima RS is some “Johnny-Come-Lately”. In fact, Ultima Sports Limited has been building Le Mans style kit cars for more than three-decades. The binding question is: Can the V8 powered super-lightweight racer hold its own against the latest Tesla lightning bolt to hit the street? Tonight, we’ll find out.

At a curb weight of just 2,050-pounds, this Ultima RS is powered by a mid-mounted 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 engine similar to the one found in a Corvette ZR1. With custom tuning and other modifications, this LT5 is laying down approximately 750hp to the rear tires. Speaking of the rear tires, they are Toyo 325 888Rs – super-sticky. The transmission is a specially outfitted Porsche 6-speed manual. This British beauty can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3-seconds. The Ultima RS kit can accommodate three additional GM engine options from 430hp to 1200hp.

Unbelievably, the Tesla Model S Plaid is all-electric. Driven by a trio of electric motors, the Plaid can turn the quarter-mile in 9.3-seconds (stock) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.28-seconds. It is all-wheel drive. The Tesla weighs almost double what the Ultima RS weighs.

Unlike the Ultima, which offers many variables, there are few choices where the Plaid is concerned. The Tesla is at its best when the battery is fully charged and weight is sufficiently reduced. Despite its generic appearance, it is a beast.

Roll (60 mph) and dig racing are on the agenda for the evening. Enjoy.

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