A new American-built supercar is preparing to enter one of the toughest performance segments, and its creators believe low weight can be just as important as raw horsepower.
Peregryn Automotive has announced plans to build the Peregryn GT-R in the United States after acquiring the intellectual property, manufacturing rights and production tooling for the British-developed Ultima sports car lineup. Rather than redesigning the car from the ground up, the company is carrying forward the lightweight mid-engine concept while introducing American production and General Motors V8 power.
The Peregryn GT-R is expected to produce around 700 horsepower from a GM LS- or LT-series V8 engine mounted behind the passenger compartment. Power will be sent to the rear wheels through a sequential gearbox, following a formula that focuses on mechanical simplicity instead of relying heavily on electronic driving systems.
Peregryn is positioning the Peregryn GT-R as a low-volume supercar aimed at enthusiasts who want an engaging driving experience rather than a luxury grand tourer. Unlike many modern high-performance cars that combine hybrid technology, multiple driving assistants and complex electronic controls, the GT-R follows a more traditional approach built around light weight, direct steering and high power.
Peregryn Moves Ultima Production to the United States
The arrival of the Peregryn GT-R also marks a major change for the Ultima platform.
Peregryn Automotive has acquired the intellectual property, production tooling and manufacturing rights for the Ultima range, allowing future versions of the car to be assembled in the United States under the Peregryn name.
The company plans to introduce two models. The Peregryn GT-S will serve as the road-focused version, while the Peregryn GT-R becomes the higher-performance flagship designed for buyers seeking maximum track capability.
Production will remain intentionally limited, with Peregryn focusing on small-volume manufacturing instead of mass production.
Light Weight Is Central to the GT-R’s Performance
Instead of chasing four-figure horsepower numbers, Peregryn is relying on one of the oldest performance formulas in motorsport—keeping weight to a minimum.
The company says the Peregryn GT-R will have a dry weight of approximately 2,100 pounds, giving it one of the strongest power-to-weight ratios in its class.
According to Peregryn, the car is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds, placing it among the quickest production supercars. That combination of relatively low weight and a 700-horsepower GM V8 is the foundation of the company’s performance targets as it prepares to enter a market dominated by established names.
Peregryn GT-R Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | GM LS- or LT-Series V8 |
| Power Output | Around 700 hp |
| Layout | Mid-Engine |
| Transmission | Sequential Gearbox |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Dry Weight | Approximately 2,100 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | 2.2 seconds (claimed) |
| Starting Price | Around $195,000 |
| Production | United States |
| First Customer Deliveries | Expected in 2027 |
Peregryn GT-R Targets the Corvette ZR1 With a Different Approach
Peregryn is not trying to beat the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 by producing more horsepower. Instead, the company believes reducing weight and keeping the car mechanically simple can deliver an equally exciting driving experience.
The current Corvette ZR1 uses a highly advanced twin-turbocharged V8, a dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated electronic systems developed by Chevrolet. The Peregryn GT-R takes a different path. It combines a naturally aspirated or LS- or LT-series General Motors V8, a sequential gearbox and a lightweight chassis without adding unnecessary complexity.
That philosophy is closer to purpose-built track cars than traditional grand touring supercars. Buyers looking for a highly connected driving experience may find the GT-R’s straightforward engineering more appealing than a technology-focused alternative.
Power-to-Weight Ratio Could Be the Biggest Advantage
While horsepower often dominates headlines, vehicle weight plays an equally important role in overall performance.
With a claimed 700 horsepower and a dry weight of approximately 2,100 pounds, the Peregryn GT-R offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio. That lightweight construction helps explain the company’s claimed 0–60 mph time of 2.2 seconds, despite producing considerably less power than some modern hypercars.
Reducing weight can also improve braking, cornering and steering response. A lighter vehicle places less stress on its suspension, tires and brakes while allowing quicker changes in direction during high-speed driving.
Peregryn GT-R vs Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
| Feature | Peregryn GT-R | Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Layout | Mid-Engine | Mid-Engine |
| Engine | GM LS- or LT-Series V8 | Twin-Turbocharged 5.5-Liter LT7 V8 |
| Horsepower | Around 700 hp | Higher than 700 hp |
| Transmission | Sequential Gearbox | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Production | Limited Volume | Mass Production |
| Starting Price | Around $195,000 | Official MSRP varies by trim |
| Character | Lightweight, track-focused | High-performance production supercar |
Limited Production Will Keep the GT-R Exclusive
Unlike large manufacturers that produce thousands of performance cars every year, Peregryn plans to keep production numbers relatively low.
The company says the Peregryn GT-R will be built in small batches after assembly moves to the United States. That approach allows Peregryn to focus on craftsmanship and performance rather than large-scale production.
For buyers, limited production could make the GT-R considerably rarer than mainstream performance cars, adding an exclusivity factor alongside its lightweight construction and GM V8 powertrain.
Peregryn GT-R Is Designed for Drivers, Not Daily Comfort
Peregryn is positioning the Peregryn GT-R as a driver’s car first. Instead of focusing on luxury equipment or advanced convenience features, the company is emphasizing mechanical feedback, low weight and direct control behind the wheel.
The mid-engine layout places the engine close to the center of the chassis, helping improve weight distribution and handling balance. Combined with rear-wheel drive and a sequential gearbox, the setup is intended to deliver the kind of driving experience often associated with dedicated track cars.
While many modern supercars include multiple drive modes, adaptive suspension systems and extensive electronic assistance, the Peregryn GT-R follows a more traditional performance philosophy that keeps the driver closely connected to the car.
Pricing Places the GT-R Among Established Supercars
Peregryn expects the GT-R to start at approximately $195,000, placing it in the same price range as several well-known high-performance sports cars.
Rather than competing on affordability, the company is targeting enthusiasts who value exclusivity and lightweight engineering. Limited production also means buyers are unlikely to see another GT-R on every street, giving the car a level of rarity that many larger manufacturers cannot offer.
Peregryn GT-R at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Power | Around 700 hp |
| Engine | GM LS- or LT-Series V8 |
| Layout | Mid-Engine |
| Transmission | Sequential Gearbox |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Dry Weight | Approximately 2,100 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | 2.2 seconds (claimed) |
| Starting Price | Around $195,000 |
| Production | Limited-volume U.S. production |
| Expected Deliveries | 2027 |
First Deliveries Planned for 2027
Peregryn says the first customer deliveries of the Peregryn GT-R are expected to begin in 2027 after production moves to the United States.
The company has not yet released complete technical specifications, including final engine configuration, performance validation, production numbers or available customization options. Additional details are expected as customer deliveries move closer.
The Peregryn GT-R enters a competitive market filled with established performance cars, but its lightweight construction, GM V8 power and limited-production approach give it a distinct identity. Whether it can match the real-world performance of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will ultimately depend on independent testing, but Peregryn has made its objective clear—build a focused American supercar that delivers speed through engineering rather than sheer horsepower.
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