SSC Aero

SSC Aero

Manufacturer	SSC North America
Production	2006–present
Assembly	United States
Successor	SSC Tuatara
Body style	2-seat Berlinetta
Layout	Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	2006: 6.34 liter 387.2 cu in V8 2007-: 6.35 liter 387.8 cu in
Length	176.2 in (4,475 mm)[1]
Width	82.7 in (2,101 mm)[1]
Height	43.0 in (1,092 mm)[1]
Curb weight	2,848 lb (1,292 kg)

The SSC Ultimate Aero is an American-built mid-engine sports car by SSC North America (formerly known as Shelby SuperCars). The higher-performance limited production version previously held the Guinness Book of World Records record for being the fastest production car in the world (succeeded by the 2010 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport),^[2] with a recorded speed of 256.19 mph (412.29 km/h).^[3] This speed was achieved during tests on September 13, 2007 at West Richland, Washington, United States and verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007.^[4] However, SSC contends that this speed does not reflect the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's full potential. SSC estimates that the newer, more powerful and lighter weight 2009 Ultimate Aero TT is capable of a top speed of over 270 mph (430 km/h).^[5] The SSC Ultimate Aero does not have electronic aids such as ABS brakes or traction control, as according to Jerod Shelby: "Early design philosophy on the car was to make it a driver's car. I wanted a car that you not only throttled with your right foot but at times you could steer with your right foot."

Prototype

2004 - SSC Aero SC/8T

SSC Aero SC/8T prototype #001 was built using a Lamborghini Diablo Replicar chassis with twin turbocharged engine sourced from the Corvette C5R mated to a G-64 6-speed manual transmission (also seen in the Dodge Viper). It weighs 2,800 pounds (1,270 kg). Prototype #001 was sold in the 2008 Barett-Jackson Palm Beach auction with a winning bid price of $189,200.^[7]

Versions and modifications

2006 - SSC Ultimate Aero

Styling of the Aero includes the use of butterfly doors similar to those found on the McLaren F1 and Enzo Ferrari. Carbon fiber and titanium are used throughout the car, helping to limit the weight to 1,293 kilograms (2,850 lb) for the standard Aero. Rumors persist that the Ultimate Aero TT is nothing more than a stripped down racing version of the base Aero (rumors that the car has no air conditioning for example); however, such claims have been proven false.^[8][9] The engine in the base Aero model was a supercharged V8 Chevrolet Small Block series engine rated at 1,077 PS (792 kW; 1,062 hp) at 6600 rpm and 1,357 N·m (1,001 lbf·ft) at 5800 rpm, with the supercharger at 8 psi (0.55 bar) and running on 91 octane gasoline. The Ultimate Aero has increased engine displacement of 6.34 L (387 cu in) and increased boost of 14 psi (0.97 bar), resulting in 1,203 PS (885 kW; 1,187 hp) at 6950 rpm and 1,113 N·m (821 lbf·ft) at 6200 rpm, running on 91 octane gasoline.^[9]
Wind tunnel testing indicates that the Ultimate Aero could theoretically reach a top speed of 439 km/h (273 mph) given appropriate transmission gear ratios, although the supplied transmission would result in 418 km/h (260 mph)^[9] at the car's redline. The base Aero, however, should "only" reach about 380 km/h (236 mph).^[10] The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds,^[11] slower than the Bugatti Veyron which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain. But the Aero does out-perform the Bugatti in a quarter-mile drag race, and outhandles its more modern but heavier competition in both skid pad G-force and slalom tests.^[12]

2007 - SSC Ultimate Aero TT

The engine in the base Aero model is the same as the previous year, but the Ultimate Aero has a 6.35 litres (388 cu in) engine, rated at 1,199 PS (882 kW; 1,183 hp) at 6950 rpm and 1,483 newton metres (1,094 lbf·ft) torque at 6150 rpm, and the supercharger is replaced by twin turbochargers with cabin adjustable boost pressure. The car is designed to use 91-octane gasoline.^[13] The 6-speed transmission is readjusted to increase the theoretical top speed to 437 kilometres per hour (272 mph) at 7200 rpm.
Wheels on the base model are sized 460-millimetre (18 in) at the front and 480-millimetre (19 in) at the rear, while the Ultimate Aero TT has wheels an inch larger at each end.
The 2007 models are heavier, with the base model weighing 1,293 kilograms (2,850 lb), and Ultimate version 1,250 kilograms (2,800 lb). Unlike the previous year, base models have a navigation system, 10-speaker audio/CD/DVD system, video/DVD screen, back-up camera, air-conditioning, and trunk space as standard equipment. These come optional on the Ultimate.
The first production 2007 Ultimate Aero TT car was sold on eBay for US$431,100. Later cars are expected to cost US$285,000.^[14] Only 24 Ultimate Aero TTs were produced from 2006-2007. The Ultimate Aero TT made its international debut on the International Show Circuit in November 2006.
Specifications 2008: In 2008 models of Ultimate Aero, 4 changes were made:

• New Twin-Turbo V8
• All new aluminum engine block
• Standard HRE Monoblok wheels
• Azentek Atlas computer infotainment system^[15]

2009 - SSC Ultimate Aero TT (Updated version)

The new Ultimate Aero has 15% more power, resulting in 1,287 hp (960 kW; 1,305 PS) at 6075 rpm. SSC predicts a top speed of over 270 mph (430 km/h) is possible. In order to prevent the engine from overheating, airflow to the engine has increased 20% with new carbon fiber louvers. The nose has been redesigned to make the car more aerodynamic, and the interior has been redesigned. The new Aero also has a new AeroBrake system, which is a spoiler that rises up to 8 in (203.2 mm) when the brake is pressed to slow the vehicle.^[16]

• Length reduced to 176.2 in (4,475.5 mm)
• A 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero, albeit with the new prototype SSC Tuatara gearbox fitted, clocked 6 runs of 0-200mph in under 16s, (15.1s - 15.8s) according to SSC's gear ratio testing results. ^[17].

Special versions

2009 - SSC Ultimate Aero EV (Designed model)

This section reads like a news release, or is otherwise written in an overly promotional tone. Please help by either rewriting this article from a neutral point of view or by moving this article to Wikinews. When appropriate, blatant advertising may be marked for speedy deletion with {{db-spam}}. (December 2011)

SSC announced the production of the Ultimate Aero EV, an electrical version of the sports car. The released specifications include using 500 hp(373 kW) electric motor, with SSC also exploring the potential of using 2 engines in 2 or 4 wheel drive configuration. "I think we can do it faster, leaner and cleaner than any other manufacturer," claims the SSC founder, Jerod Shelby. SSC planned to produce its first prototype in February 2009, with production to begin as early as Q4 of 2009.
As part of the production plan, SSC also announced it had contracted with Sheffield International Finance Corporation to initiate the company's first acceptance of outside capital since its inception.^[18]
SSC announced electric powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV specifications.^[19] "SSC will display its AESP in the Ultimate Aero EV in order to prove that electric-powered vehicles will not only match but also provide more linear power ... and overall performance than internal combustion cars. The Ultimate Aero EV uses a twin motor AESP producing 1,000 hp (746 kW) and 800 lb·ft (1,100 N·m) of torque enabling it to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h). Not only does the Ultimate Aero EV have a range of 150–200 miles on a single charge, but SSC's "Charge on the Run" onboard charging system allows for full battery recharges in as little as 10 minutes.

• Length and width reduced from Ultimate Aero engine car version

Speed attempt

SSC tested the top speed capability of the Ultimate Aero TT on March 22, 2007. The original test was scheduled for March 21, 2007 but was called off due to bad weather conditions. SSC closed down a 12-mile (19 km) stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada for the event. Their goal was to replace the Bugatti Veyron as the fastest production car ever produced, which at the time could achieve 253.7 mph (408.3 km/h). Simulation and testing at NASA's Virginia facility had shown that the Ultimate Aero TT is theoretically capable of approximately 273 mph (439 km/h).^[20] The March 22nd attempt failed to break the record, due to sub-optimal conditions. Test driver Rick Doria reported "wheel-spin" at speeds above 190 mph (310 km/h).^[21] Despite the failure of the attempt, the car still reached 389 km/h (242 mph).^{[citation needed]}
SSC announced they had broken the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h) in West Richland, WA on September 13, 2007. The reported record speed came from an average of two runs in opposite directions, in accordance with FIA Speed Records rules. The first run clocked 257.44 mph (414.31 km/h) and the return trip 254.91 mph (410.24 km/h). The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007, gave the SSC Ultimate Aero the title of world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h).^[22] This beat the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron, that had a top speed of 253.81 mph (408.47 km/h).
In addition to the fastest production car record, SSC also applied for the world record for the highest power for an emissions-legal production automobile.^[3]
The record-breaking 2007 Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero Chassis #TT-02 was later put into auction by Shelby SuperCars, which also included SSC World Record commemorative watch, key fob, original record-breaking wheels and tires, framed official Guinness World Records certificate with commemorative photo signed by Shelby SuperCars team.^[23]
The car's record was broken on July 4, 2010 by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which reached a certified top speed of 267.86 mph (431.072 km/h).^[24]
On July 17, 2011, it was announced the successor to the Ultimate Aero would be named the Tuatara.^[25]