SSC Aero
Encyclopedia
The SSC Ultimate Aero is an American-built mid-engine supercar by 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), with a recorded speed of 412.29 km/h (256.19 mph). This speed was achieved during tests on September 13, 2007 West Richland, Washington
, United States
and verified by Guinness World Records
on October 9, 2007. This speed however 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 300 mph (134.1 m/s). 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 drivers car. I wanted a car that you not only throttled with your right foot but at times you could steer with your right foot."
The Aero and the Shelby SuperCars company are the brainchildren of Jerod Shelby (no relation to retired racing driver and sportscar builder Carroll Shelby
), who started out building exotic "replicars" including a Fiero-based Ferrari F355
replica and a Lamborghini Diablo
replica based on a spaceframe which later was used in the Ultimate Aero prototype. Jerod later moved from building replicas to designing his first Supercar and after seven years it finally began to take shape. Although the basic Aero model is no longer produced, the Ultimate Aero is still in production with an MSRP of around $650,000.
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 1270 kilograms (2,799.9 lb). Prototype #001 was sold in 2008 Barett-Jackson Palm Beach auction with winning bid price of $189,200.
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 1293 kilograms (2,850.6 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.
The engine in the base Aero model was a Supercharged V8 Chevrolet
Small Block series engine rated at 1077 PS at 6600 rpm and 1357 N·m (1,001 ft·lbf) at 5800 rpm, with the supercharger
at 8 psi (0.55158058344 bar) and running on 91 octane
gasoline. The Ultimate Aero has increased engine displacement of 6.34 l (386.6 cu in) and increased boost of 14 psi (0.96526602102 bar), resulting in 1203 PS at 6950 rpm and 1113 N·m (821 ft·lbf) at 6200 rpm, running on 91 octane gasoline.
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) at the car's redline
. The base Aero, however, should "only" reach about 380 km/h (236 mph). The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds, slower than the Bugatti Veyron
which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain.
with cabin adjustable boost pressure. The car is designed to use 91-octane Petrol. The 6-speed transmission is readjusted to increase the theoretical top speed to 437 kilometres per hour (271.5 mph) at 7200 rpm.
Wheels on the base model are sized 460 millimetres (18.1 in) at the front and 480 millimetres (18.9 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 1293 kilograms (2,850.6 lb), and Ultimate version 1250 kilograms (2,755.8 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. 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.
that rises up to 8 in (203.2 mm) when the brake is pressed to slow the vehicle.
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.
SSC announced electric powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV specifications. "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 an astounding 1000 hp and 800 lbft of torque enabling it to rocket to 60 mi/h in a mere 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mi/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. Mind you, this is not the solution for perpetual motion."
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 (439.4 km/h). 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 (305.8 km/h). Despite the failure of the attempt, the car still reached 389 km/h (241.7 mph).
SSC announced they had broken the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 412.28 km/h (256.18 mph) 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 414.31 km/h (257.44 mph) and the return trip 410.24 km/h (254.91 mph). 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 412.28 km/h (256.18 mph). 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 horsepower for an emissions-legal production automobile.
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.
The car's record was broken on July 4, 2010 by the Bugatti Veyron
Super Sport, which reached a certified top speed of 431.072 km/h (267.86 mph).
On July 17th 2011, it was announced the successor to the Ultimate Aero would be named the Tuatara.
West Richland, Washington
West Richland is a city in Benton County, Washington, United States, served by three elementary schools and a middle school , with an annual budget of about 30 million dollars. The population was 11,811 at the 2010 census...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and verified by Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
on October 9, 2007. This speed however 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 300 mph (134.1 m/s). The SSC Ultimate Aero does not have electronic aids such as ABS brakes or traction control
Traction control
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
, as according to Jerod Shelby; "Early design philosophy on the car was to make it a drivers car. I wanted a car that you not only throttled with your right foot but at times you could steer with your right foot."
The Aero and the Shelby SuperCars company are the brainchildren of Jerod Shelby (no relation to retired racing driver and sportscar builder Carroll Shelby
Carroll Shelby
Carroll Hall Shelby is an American retired automotive designer and racing driver. He is most well known for making Mustangs for Ford Motor Company known as Mustang Cobras which he has done since 1965...
), who started out building exotic "replicars" including a Fiero-based Ferrari F355
Ferrari F355
The Ferrari F355 is a sports car built by Ferrari from May 1994 to 1999. It is an evolution of the Ferrari 348 and was replaced by the Ferrari 360. It is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive V8-powered 2-seat coupe...
replica and a Lamborghini Diablo
Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engined sports car that was built by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of . After the end of its production run in 2001, the Diablo was replaced by the...
replica based on a spaceframe which later was used in the Ultimate Aero prototype. Jerod later moved from building replicas to designing his first Supercar and after seven years it finally began to take shape. Although the basic Aero model is no longer produced, the Ultimate Aero is still in production with an MSRP of around $650,000.
Prototype (2004)
SSC Ultimate Aero SC/8T prototype #001 was built using a Lamborghini DiabloLamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo is a high-performance mid-engined sports car that was built by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1990 and 2001. It was the first Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of . After the end of its production run in 2001, the Diablo was replaced by the...
Replicar chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
with twin turbocharged engine sourced from the Corvette C5R mated to a G-64 6-speed manual transmission (also seen in the Dodge Viper
Dodge Viper
The first prototype was tested in January 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers, and went on sale in January...
). It weighs 1270 kilograms (2,799.9 lb). Prototype #001 was sold in 2008 Barett-Jackson Palm Beach auction with winning bid price of $189,200.
Specifications (2006)
Styling of the Aero includes the use of butterfly doorsButterfly doors
Butterfly doors or vertical doors are a type of door sometimes seen on high-performance automobiles. They are similar to scissor doors, but while scissor doors move up, butterfly doors also move outwards, which makes for easier entry/exit at the expense of saving space.The McLaren F1, Alfa Romeo 33...
similar to those found on the McLaren F1
McLaren F1
The McLaren F1 is a supercar designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive. Originally a concept conceived by Gordon Murray, he convinced Ron Dennis to back the project and engaged Peter Stevens to design the exterior of the car...
and Enzo Ferrari. Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers about 5–10 μm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber...
and titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
are used throughout the car, helping to limit the weight to 1293 kilograms (2,850.6 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.
The engine in the base Aero model was a Supercharged V8 Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
Small Block series engine rated at 1077 PS at 6600 rpm and 1357 N·m (1,001 ft·lbf) at 5800 rpm, with the supercharger
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
at 8 psi (0.55158058344 bar) and running on 91 octane
Octane rating
Octane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the anti-knock properties of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating...
gasoline. The Ultimate Aero has increased engine displacement of 6.34 l (386.6 cu in) and increased boost of 14 psi (0.96526602102 bar), resulting in 1203 PS at 6950 rpm and 1113 N·m (821 ft·lbf) at 6200 rpm, running on 91 octane gasoline.
Wind tunnel
Wind tunnel
A wind tunnel is a research tool used in aerodynamic research to study the effects of air moving past solid objects.-Theory of operation:Wind tunnels were first proposed as a means of studying vehicles in free flight...
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) at the car's redline
Redline
Redline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
. The base Aero, however, should "only" reach about 380 km/h (236 mph). The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds, slower than the Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain.
Specifications (2007)
The engine in the base Aero model is the same as the previous year, but the Ultimate Aero has a 6.35 litres (387.2 cu in) engine, rated at 1199 PS at 6950 rpm and 1483 newton metres (1,094 ft·lbf) torque at 6150 rpm, and the supercharger is replaced by a twin turbochargerTurbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
with cabin adjustable boost pressure. The car is designed to use 91-octane Petrol. The 6-speed transmission is readjusted to increase the theoretical top speed to 437 kilometres per hour (271.5 mph) at 7200 rpm.
Wheels on the base model are sized 460 millimetres (18.1 in) at the front and 480 millimetres (18.9 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 1293 kilograms (2,850.6 lb), and Ultimate version 1250 kilograms (2,755.8 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
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
for US$431,100. Later cars are expected to cost US$285,000. 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
Specifications (2009)
The new Ultimate Aero has 15% more horsepower, resulting in 1287 hp at 6075 rpm SSC predicts a top speed of over 270 mph (434.5 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 spoilerSpoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
that rises up to 8 in (203.2 mm) when the brake is pressed to slow the vehicle.
- Length reduced to 176.2 in (4,475.5 mm)
Ultimate Aero EV
SSC announced the production of the Ultimate Aero EV, an electrical version of the sports car. The released specifications include using 500 horsepower (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.
SSC announced electric powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV specifications. "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 an astounding 1000 hp and 800 lbft of torque enabling it to rocket to 60 mi/h in a mere 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 208 mi/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. Mind you, this is not the solution for perpetual motion."
- 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 miles (19 km) stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada for the event. Their goal was to replace the Bugatti VeyronBugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
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
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
's Virginia facility
Langley Research Center
Langley Research Center is the oldest of NASA's field centers, located in Hampton, Virginia, United States. It directly borders Poquoson, Virginia and Langley Air Force Base...
had shown that the Ultimate Aero TT is theoretically capable of approximately 273 mph (439.4 km/h). 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 (305.8 km/h). Despite the failure of the attempt, the car still reached 389 km/h (241.7 mph).
SSC announced they had broken the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 412.28 km/h (256.18 mph) 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 414.31 km/h (257.44 mph) and the return trip 410.24 km/h (254.91 mph). The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records
Guinness World Records, known until 2000 as The Guinness Book of Records , is a reference book published annually, containing a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world...
on October 9, 2007, gave the SSC Ultimate Aero the title of world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 412.28 km/h (256.18 mph). This beat the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
, 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 horsepower for an emissions-legal production automobile.
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.
The car's record was broken on July 4, 2010 by the Bugatti Veyron
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
Super Sport, which reached a certified top speed of 431.072 km/h (267.86 mph).
On July 17th 2011, it was announced the successor to the Ultimate Aero would be named the Tuatara.