SSC Aero

The SSC Ultimate Aero is a mid-engined sports car that was produced by SSC North America (formerly known as Shelby SuperCars) from 2004 until 2013. The SSC Ultimate Aero held the title of the fastest production car in the world, according to the Guinness World Records, from 2007 (when it was officially timed at 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h)) until the introduction of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport in 2010. In April 2013, the Guinness World Records temporarily disqualified the Veyron's record time for a period of five days due to concerns about electronic speed limiting changing the function of the car, but after investigation reinstated the Veyron as the record holder.[2]

SSC Aero
Overview
ManufacturerSSC North America
Production2004–2013
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupe
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
DoorsButterfly
Powertrain
Engine2006: 6.3-liter 387.2 cu in V8
2007: 6.4-liter 387.8 cu in V8 2013: 6.9-liter 423.6 cu in V8
Transmission3-speed automatic (for EV only)
5-speed manual (for SC/8T only)
6-speed manual (for TT only)
7-speed paddle-shifted gearbox (for XT only)
Dimensions
Length176.2 in (4,475 mm)[1]
Width82.7 in (2,101 mm)[1]
Height43.0 in (1,092 mm)[1]
Curb weight2,848 lb (1,292 kg) – 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)
Chronology
SuccessorSSC Tuatara

The SSC Ultimate Aero was not sold with electronic driver aids such as antilock 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 and a sensor."

Development history

1998 - Company Founded

Jerod Shelby founded SSC in 1998 and began working on the company's first prototype vehicle

2004 - SSC Aero SC/8T №1

The first SSC Aero prototype was completed in 2004 and began road testing in anticipation of the SSC Ultimate Aero production vehicle.

Technical specifications
  • Engine - Supercharged 377.6 cu in (6,187.8 cc; 6.2 L) Chevrolet Corvette C5R V8[3]
  • Horsepower - Initially 782 hp (583 kW; 793 PS) @ 6600 rpm as built in 2004. 908 hp (677 kW; 921 PS) @ 6600 rpm after 2005 upgrade.[4]
  • Torque - 860 N⋅m (634 lb⋅ft; 88 kg⋅m) @ 5800 rpm as built in 2004. 1,045 N⋅m (771 lb⋅ft; 107 kg⋅m) @ 5800 rpm after 2005 upgrade.[3]
  • Redline - 7200 rpm
  • Max Speed - 380 km/h (236 mph) as built in 2004. 390 km/h (242 mph) after 2005 upgrade.
  • Dry Weight - 2,720 lb (1,234 kg)[4]

2005 - SSC Ultimate Aero SC/8T №2

Wind tunnel testing indicated 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.[5] The base Aero, however, had a theoretical top speed of about 380 km/h (236 mph).[6] The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds,[7] slower than the Bugatti Veyron which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain.[8]

Technical specifications
  • Engine - Supercharged 382 cu in (6,259.9 cc; 6.3 L) Chevrolet Corvette C5R V8[5]
  • Horsepower - 787 hp (587 kW; 798 PS) @ 6600 rpm[5]
  • Torque - 736 lb⋅ft (998 N⋅m; 102 kg⋅m) @ 5800 rpm[5]
  • Redline - 7200 rpm[5]
  • Max Speed - 380 km/h (236 mph)
  • Dry Weight - 2,850 lb (1,293 kg)[5]

2006

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 (2,851 lb) for the standard Aero. The SSC Ultimate Aero was the final version of the prototype, introduced in 2006. It had an increased engine displacement of 387.2 cu in (6,345 cc) and increased boost of 14 psi (0.97 bar).

Technical specifications (Ultimate Aero)
  • Engine - Supercharged 387.2 cu in (6,345.1 cc; 6.3 L) Chevrolet Corvette C5R V8[5]
  • Horsepower - 1,046 hp (780 kW; 1,061 PS) @ 6950 rpm[5]
  • Torque - 821 lb⋅ft (1,113 N⋅m; 114 kg⋅m) @ 6200 rpm[5]
  • Redline - 7200 rpm[5]
  • Max Speed - 400 km/h (249 mph)
  • Dry Weight - 2,640 lb (1,197 kg)[5]

2007–2008

The Ultimate Aero TT was a twin-turbocharged version of the Ultimate Aero. The 6-speed transmission is readjusted to increase the theoretical top speed to 437 km/h (272 mph) at 7200 rpm. Wheels on the base model are sized 460-millimetre (18.1 in) at the front and 480-millimetre (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 1,293 kg (2,851 lb), and Ultimate version 1,250 kg (2,756 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.[9] 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. The Ultimate Aero TT claimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest production car, after it was officially timed at 256.14 mph (412 km/h) in Washington.[10] For 2008, the Ultimate Aero received four updates:

  • New Twin-Turbo V8
  • All new aluminum engine block
  • Standard HRE Monoblok wheels
  • Azentek Atlas computer infotainment system[11]

Technical specification (2007 Ultimate Aero TT)
  • Engine - Twin-turbocharged 387.2 cu in (6,345 cc) Chevrolet Corvette C5R V8[10]
  • Horsepower - 1,183 bhp (882 kW; 1,199 PS) @ 6950 rpm[10]
  • Torque - 1,094 lb⋅ft (1,483 N⋅m; 151 kg⋅m) @ 6150 rpm[10]
  • Redline - 7200 rpm[10]
  • Max Speed - 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h)[10]
  • Dry Weight - 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)[10]

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

In 2009, SSC updated the Ultimate Aero TT, with the new version having an increase in power of 15% over the older model. 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 been 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.[12] This updated model reached a top speed of 257.41 mph (414.26 km/h) in a test, according to SSC.[13]

Technical specification (2009 Ultimate Aero TT)
  • Engine - Twin-turbocharged 6,345 cc (6.3 L; 387.2 cu in) SSC V8[13]
  • Horsepower - 1,287 bhp (960 kW; 1,305 PS) @ 6075 rpm[13]
  • Torque - 1,112 lb⋅ft (1,508 N⋅m; 154 kg⋅m) @ 6150 rpm[13]
  • Redline - 7200 rpm[13]
  • Max Speed - 257.41 mph (414.26 km/h)[13]
  • Dry Weight - 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)[13]
  • Length - 176.2 in (4,475.5 mm)[13]
  • A 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero, albeit with the new prototype SSC Tuatara gearbox fitted, was able to complete six runs of 0-200 mph (322 km/h) in under 16 seconds, (15.1s - 15.8s) according to SSC's gear ratio testing results.[14]

SSC Ultimate Aero EV

In 2009, SSC announced that they would be commencing production of the Ultimate Aero EV, an electrically-powered version of the Ultimate Aero. This car featured twin electric motors, claimed to be capable of producing 1,000 hp (746 kW; 1,014 PS), and 800 lb⋅ft (1,085 N⋅m; 111 kg⋅m) of torque, which was transmitted through a three-speed automatic transmission.[15] SSC claimed that the car would be able to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).[15] However, the car never entered production.

2013

In 2013, SSC introduced the Ultimate Aero XT, which was a special version of the Ultimate Aero that was built to celebrate the end of its production. Five XT's were planned, but only one was built however. They utilized some components that were designed for its Tuatara replacement; for example, the Ultimate Aero XT was fitted with SSC's new 6.9 liter all-aluminum twin-turbo V8 engine and a seven-speed paddle-shifted gearbox.[16]

Technical specification (Ultimate Aero XT)

(official manufacturer numbers)

  • Engine - Twin-turbocharged 423.6 cu in (6,942 cc) SSC V8[17]
  • Horsepower - 1,300 bhp (969 kW; 1,318 PS) @ 6800 rpm[17]
  • Torque - 1,004 lb⋅ft (1,361 N⋅m; 139 kg⋅m) @ 6800 rpm[17]
  • Redline - 9200 rpm[17]
  • Max Speed (theoretical)[17] - 273 mph (439 km/h)
  • Max Speed (actual) - 256 mph (412 km/h)
  • Drag Coefficient - 0.357[17]
  • Dry Weight - 2,800 lb (1,270 kg)[17]
  • Curb weight - 2,850 lb (1,293 kg)[18]

Speed record

Simulation and testing at NASA's Virginia facility had shown the Ultimate Aero TT theoretically capable of attaining approximately 273 mph (439 km/h),[19] sufficient to surpass the production car record-holding Bugatti Veyron's 253.81 mph (408.47 km/h).

A 12-mile (19 km) stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada was closed on March 21, 2007 to allow SSC to test the Ultimate Aero TT, but the attempt was called off due to bad weather, and an effort the following day failed due to sub-optimal conditions, with test driver Rick Doria reporting wheel-spin at speeds above 190 mph (306 km/h).[20]

Six months later SSC announced they had established a new production car speed record of 256.14 mph (412.21 km/h) in West Richland, WA on September 13, 2007. In accordance with FIA Speed Records rules it was an average of two runs in opposite directions, 257.41 mph (414.26 km/h) and 254.86 mph (410.16 km/h). The results were verified by the Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007. SSC is currently one of only 26 automobile manufacturers in history to have held the record.

SSC also applied to Guinness for the world record for the highest power for an emissions-legal production automobile.[21]

Its record was broken on July 4, 2010 by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which reached a certified top speed of 431.00 km/h (267.81 mph).[22]

gollark: Continue adding Ms until someone realizes how silly it is.
gollark: The solution is accelerationism.
gollark: Unless the tasks are *very* real-time you could just use a RTOS, surely.
gollark: Anyway, if you do not actually need fancy features, just get anything whatsoever?
gollark: RK3566 boards are cool and can maybe be purchased affordably now.

References
  1. "SSC Ultimate Aero". Archived from the original on 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2012-02-17.
  2. Weiss, C.C. (2013-04-16). "And the world's fastest car is ... the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (again)". Gizmag. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  3. "2004 SSC Aero SC/8T Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  4. Spinelli, Mike (2005-06-14). "Supercar for the Big-and-Tall Set: The SSC Aero SC/8T". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  5. "Shelby Supercars' old specification". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
  6. "Shelby Supercars' old homepage". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
  7. "Shelby SuperCars: Official Ultimate Aero Specifications".
  8. "Autocar Magazine: Bugatti Veyron Road Test".
  9. "SSC Ultimate Aero TT Supercar Up For Bids On eBay". Archived from the original on 2008-02-07. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  10. Simona (2006-08-20). "2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT". Top Speed. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  11. "Three Changes Announced for the Ultimate Aero in 2008". Archived from the original on 2008-07-05.
  12. Phillips, Drew (2008-12-16). "Updated SSC Ultimate Aero boasts 104 hp (78 kW; 105 PS) over the old 2007 model, claimed top speed of 267 mph (430 km/h)". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  13. "SSC Ultimate Aero". SSC North America. Archived from the original on 2014-12-05. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  14. "Home of the Tuatara & Ultimate Aero". SSC North America. 2007-09-13. Archived from the original on 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  15. "2009 SSC Ultimate Aero EV Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com. 2009-01-26. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  16. Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2012-08-03). "SSC Sending Out Ultimate Aero With Tuatara-Powered XT". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  17. "SSC Announces Limited Production of Five Ultimate Aero XT's". SSC North America. 2012-08-12. Archived from the original on 2012-08-06. Retrieved 2014-12-12.
  18. http://www.supercars.net/cars/3339.html
  19. "SSC Sets Date for Top Speed Record Attempt - Automotive News and Motorsports News at Fast-Autos.net!". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  20. "SSC confident Ultimate Aero TT will be will be world's fastest soon - Autoblog". Archived from the original on 2007-03-28. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  21. "It's Official: SSC's Ultimate Aero Speed Record is Validated by Guinness World Records" (PDF) (Press release). Shelby SuperCars. October 9, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 3, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  22. Abuelsamid, Sam (2010-04-07). "Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport sets land speed record at 267.81 mph (431.00 km/h)! — Autoblog". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-07-19.
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