2018 Armada Motors Ultima Turbo
I know it’s after the 3rd in most places. Please let me post, I just got back from 7 consecutive 13 hour shifts and I couldn’t do this any sooner
Armada Motors have mixed it up in the European Motorsport scene since its founding in the early 1950s. But Arthur “Ableman” Herrington’s most ambitious dream was to enter the heady world of Group B. Already on the back foot, they did not have the money for development, a suitable chassis, or the right motor. Thus, they borrowed a bit from the company’s new venture, their first hot hatch, and borrowed another bit from across the channel in a small, revvy aluminium V8. Thus the legend of the EVO was born, and despite never racing in Group B, did end up representing at several levels of rallycross and hillclimb. But it was an incomplete legacy in every sense of the word.
With the ongoing success of Armada’s mainstay, the Fore, and particularly its latest and most capable 5th generation in 2017, Armada are finally ready to revive and fulfill the spirit of Arthur’s dream. They combined the finest parts of Armada legend: the turbo inline-six, reminiscient of the mad Talon of the 70s. All-wheel drive, like the aspiring EVO. Midship, like their most dedicated racers of old. As a result, the Ultima is the most focused, most complete expression of what Armada strive for as a company: lightweight, engaging and above all fast.
But in this day and age, while dedicating this model to the visceral thrill of the petrol engine, Armada have also embraced a growing awareness of environmental responsibility. Therefore, this model is also their most efficient yet, returning an impressive 5.2L/100km on sports tyres. And, with the rigors of the modern market, it’s also their most accessible, being pliant and civilised, with early and steady boost and multi-mode stability control, including a “Rally” mode for those who have the desire and the will to tackle the Ultima’s playful, sideways attitude.
Rumor also has it that if interest is strong enough, the Ultima may also get a version for the true purists: continuing the philosophy of the Superlite line, with manual-only, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive just as the enthusiast ordered.
The Ultima Turbo is currently being forwarded to journalists for test drives. We are confident they’ll find it the most fun they’ve had in a car!