There are the relatively few production supercars that can legitimately claim they are among the fastest cars in the world. Such an honor is a genuinely rare one among production supercars, and people tend to take notice when one appears on the supercar scene. The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world at one point, or the fastest production vehicle in the world at least, but it has now fallen back to forth position.
History
The SSC Ultimate Aero is the brainchild of Jerod Shelby, founder of Shelby SuperCars. Neither the company itself nor its founder has any relation or connection to famous automotive constructor Carroll Shelby. The Aero started life 2004 as a prototype based on a replica Lamborghini Diablo chassis. Equipped with a motor originating from the Corvette C5R race car and a six-speed transmission from a Dodge Viper, the Aero progressed to a market-ready vehicle in 2007. This time, the Aero sported a supercharged 8-cylinder Chevy small block that produced 1062 horsepower (792 kilowatts). The Ultimate Aero pushed the envelope further with various modifications that increased both power and performance.
Specifications
SSC Ultimate Aero specs reflect the needs of a high-performance machine. A steel space frame with the weight being kept down by body panels made from carbon fiber; while the 14-inch vented disc brakes assist in bringing the action to a halt. The suspension and aerodynamics keep the car firmly planted onto the road at high speeds. The SSC Ultimate Aerohigh-speed capabilities are made possible through the combination of a 6.3-liter 8-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. Fitted with twin turbochargers and dual water-to-air intercoolers, the engine produces 1287 horsepower (960 kilowatts) and 1112 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough power and torque to propel the 2,750-pound supercar to 60 mph from a standstill in 2.78 seconds, devouring the quarter mile in 9.9 seconds at a staggering 144 mph. The SSC Ultimate Aero top speed has a projected 273 mph, while tests have generated a confirmed top speed of 257.41 mph.
Speed Records
On September 13, 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero became the fastest car in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records. Abiding by FIA Speed Records rules, the supercar achieved an average top speed of 256.18 mph over two runs, beating the Veyron (made by Bugatti) top speed of 253. The first run clocked in at 257.44 mph, while the second run produced a top speed of 254.91 mph. This record stood from 2007 to 2009, when the 2010 Super Sport of Bugatti Veyron claimed the record with a 267.86 mph run.
Pricing
Fast cars often come with expensive price tags, and the SSC Ultimate Aero is no exception. With a suggested retail price of approximately $650,000, the SSC Ultimate Aero price is less expensive than the Bugatti Veyron and a true beast for the money.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I know that’s one incredible piece of machinery and it goes like a bat out of you-know-where, but $650,000?? Man, I can’t even begin to imagine having that kind of money to splurge on a car, no matter how cool it is.
The SSC Ultimate Aero is one of the most incredible cars I have ever seen or read about. This one is sleek, black and I love it just as it is. I wish I had the $650,000 to take it off the lot or to have it delivered by stretch limo to my chauffeurs’ cottage.
Oh I wish I had the money for this sweet ride! $650K – ouch! I can’t believe how cool is it though. I wonder how many of these Aero’s were made and sold in the US?