The American-built SSC Ultimate Aero TT is a supercar built by Shelby Super Cars and the fastest street-legal production car in the world. It was built in order to rival the new Bugatti Veyron with speeds of over 408 km/h (254 mph) and a 0-60 mph time of 2.78 seconds (for the
Ultimate Aero TT version). The company and vehicle are the brainchildren of Jerod Shelby with Athan Aridas who helped him, who spent over seven years designing the Aero. The car is the world's fastest production car at 412 km/h (256 mph), a speed reportedly achieved on September 13 2007 in West Richland, WA. The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records on October 9 2007, gave the SSC Aero the world's fastest production car title.The SSC Ultimate Aero TT first appeared in 2004 under the name 'Aero SC/8T'; the Ultimate Aero is a limited production version of the Aero, offering even higher performance. From various sources, only 25 Aeros will ever be produced, but the sources conflict on actual models. The base Aero model is priced from $239,000, while the Ultimate Aero would cost well over $650,000 (as of 2007).The Aero's styling includes the use of
butterfly doors similar to the ones found on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Saleen S7, and the Enzo Ferrari, to name a few. It uses carbon fiber and titanium extensively throughout the car, keeping the weight down to 1233 kg (for the standard Aero). For the Ultimate Aero, weight is further reduced to 1179 kg by marking the navigation system, 10-speaker audio/CD/DVD system, video/DVD screen, and back-up camera as optional equipment; and removing air-conditioning and any trunk space altogether.The engine in the base Aero model is a supercharged 6.2-litre (387.4 cu. in.) V8 engine rated at 787 bhp (587 kW) @ 6600 rpm and 998 Nm (736 ft-lb) torque @ 5800 rpm, while the Ultimate
Aero has increased engine displacement and increased supercharger boost, resulting in 1,183 bhp (882 kW) @ 6950 rpm and 1113 Nm (821 ft-lb) torque @ 6200 rpm (Running on 104 octane gasoline).Wind tunnel testing indicates that the Ultimate Aero could possibly reach a top speed of 437 km/h (273 mph) given appropriate transmission gear ratios. The base Aero, however, should only reach around 386 km/h (240 mph).Despite its excellent performance, the Aero's fuel mileage is rated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (which is unusual for a supercar).SSC tested the Ultimate Aero TT' Top Speed capabilities on March 22, 2007. The original test was scheduled for March 21, 2007 but was called off because of snow. SSC closed down a 12-mile (19 km) stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada for
the event. Their goal was to attempt to replace the Bugatti Veyron as the fastest production car ever produced (which at the time was 253.8 mph). Simulation and testing at NASA's Virginia facility has shown that the car should be capable of about 273 mph (439 km/h). The March 22nd attempt failed to break the record because of sub-optimal temperature conditions. Test driver Rick Doria reported "wheel-spin" at speeds above 190 mph (306 km/h). Despite the weather, the car still managed to reach 230 mph (370 km/h).SSC announced they broke the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 256.15 mph (412.23 km/h) in West Richland, WA on September 13, 2007. The reported record speed comes from an average of two runs, one in
each direction, in accordance with Guinness Book of World Record rules. The first run clocked 257.41. The return trip came up with 254.88 for the previously mentioned average of 256.15 besting Bugatti Veyron's speed by 2.35 mph (3.78 km/h). The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007, gave the SSC Aero the world's fastest production car title.Specification:
Top Speed : up to 273 mph / 439.4 km/h
Skidpad : 1.03 g
Drag Coefficient : 0.357
Stopping Distance : 103 feet from 60 mph
Base Price : $654,500
Production : 25 total
Powertrain Layout : Mid Engine / RWD
Steering : Rack & Pinion
Body Material : Carbon Fiber
Front Wheels : 19 x 9 in.
Brake Type : Vented Discs
Configuration : V-8
Power : 1046 bhp @ 6950 rpm
Torque : 821 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm
Redline : 7200 rpm
Transmission : 6-speed Manual
Length : 176.2 in. / 4475 mm
Width : 82.7 in. / 2101 mm
Height : 43 in. / 1092 mm
Weight Distribution : 42/58
Curb Weight : 2,640 lb.
