SSC Ultimate Aero
SSC Ultimate Aero | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | SSC North America |
Production | 2006–2013 |
Assembly | United States |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2-door berlinetta |
Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2006: 6.34-liter 387.2 cu in V8 2007: 6.35-liter 387.8 cu in V8 2013: 6.94-liter 423.6 cu in V8 |
Dimensions | |
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) – 2,800 lb (1,270 kg) |
Chronology | |
Successor | SSC Tuatara |
The SSC Aero is an American-built mid-engine sports car by SSC North America (formerly known as Shelby SuperCars). The higher-performance limited-production version formerly held the Guinness Book of World Records record for being the fastest production car in the world. The record is currently held by Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, since 2010 when it reached the speed of 431.072 km/h. Recently the record was reverted to the SSC Ultimate Aero but only for a week as Guinness World Records changed its mind once again regarding the testing of the Bugatti: “Following a thorough review conducted with a number of external experts, Guinness World Records is pleased to announce the confirmation of Bugatti’s record of Fastest production car achieved by the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The focus of the review was with respect to what may constitute a modification to a car’s standard specification. Having evaluated all the necessary information, Guinness World Records is now satisfied that a change to the speed limiter does not alter the fundamental design of the car or its engine.” 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."
The Aero and the Shelby SuperCars company are the brainchildren of Jerod Shelby (no relation to late 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. Shelby later moved from building replicas to designing his first supercar and after seven years it finally began to take shape. Both the basic Aero model and the Ultimate Aero are no longer in production.
Prototype
2004 - SSC Aero SC/8T №1
SSC Aero SC/8T - this prototype №1 was built using a Lamborghini Diablo Replicar chassis with twin turbocharged engine mated to a G-64 6-speed manual transmission (also used in the Dodge Viper).
Technical specification
- Engine - Corvette C5R
- Horsepower - 782 bhp @ 6600 rpm
- Torque - 860 N*m @ 5800 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 380 km/h (236 mph)
- Dry Weight - 2,720 lbs. = 1234 kg.
Prototype №01 was sold in the 2008 Barett-Jackson Palm Beach auction with a winning bid price of $189,200.[2]
2005 - SSC Aero SC/8T №1 (Update)
SSC Aero SC/8T №1 Update - this update version in prototype №1 2004 year.
Technical specification
- Engine - Corvette C5R
- Horsepower - 908 bhp @ 6600 rpm
- Torque - 1045 N*m @ 5800 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 390 km/h (242 mph)
- Dry Weight -- 2,720 lbs. = 1234 kg.
2005 - SSC Aero SC/8T №2
SSC Aero SC/8T - this prototype №2.
Aerodynamic Testing
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)[3] at the car's redline. The base Aero, however, should "only" reach about 380 km/h (236 mph).[4] The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds,[5] slower than the Bugatti Veyron which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain.[6]
Technical specification
- Engine - Corvette C5R
- Horsepower - 787 bhp @ 6600 rpm
- Torque - 998 N*m @ 5800 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 380 km/h (236 mph)
- Dry Weight - 2,850 lbs. = 1293 kg.
2006 - SSC Ultimate Aero
SSC Ultimate Aero - this extreme version vehicles in prototype SSC Aero SC/8T.
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.
SSC Ultimate Aero - this is the final version of the prototype. Has increased engine displacement of 6.34 L (387 cu in) and increased boost of 14 psi (0.97 bar).
Technical specification
- Engine - Supercharged V8 Chevrolet
- Horsepower - 1,046 bhp (780 kW; 1,061 PS) @ 6950 rpm
- Torque - 1,113 N⋅m (821 lb⋅ft) @ 6200 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 400 km/h (248.548 mph)[3]
- Dry Weight - 2,640 lbs. = 1197 kg.
+ Twin Turbo System
With the system Twin Turbo, by the engine gave 1203 PS = 1187 hp. System was offered as an option.
Race Version
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.[3][7]
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.
Versions and modifications
2007 - SSC Ultimate Aero TT
SSC Ultimate Aero TT - it is a turbocharged version of the SSC Ultimate Aero released in 2007.
The engine in the base Aero model is the same as the previous year, but the Ultimate Aero has a 6.35 liter (388 cubic inch) engine.
Technical specification
- Engine - Supercharged V8 Chevrolet
- Horsepower - 1,183 bhp (882 kW; 1,199 PS) @ 6950 rpm
- Torque - 1,483 N⋅m (1,094 lb⋅ft) @ 6150 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 412 km/h (256 mph)
- Dry Weight - 2,750 lbs. = 1247 kg.
The car is designed to use 92-octane gasoline.[8] 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 (2,851 lb), and Ultimate version 1,250 kilograms (2,760 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.
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[10]
2009 - SSC Ultimate Aero TT (Updated version)
SSC Ultimate Aero TT'2009 - this is an updated version of the supercar Ultimate Aero TT developed in 2009.
The new Ultimate Aero has 15% more power. 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.[11]
Technical specification
- Engine - 6.3L Twin Turbocharged V8
- Horsepower - 1,287 bhp (960 kW; 1,305 PS) @ 6075 rpm
- Torque - 1,508 N⋅m (1,112 lb⋅ft) @ 6150 rpm
- Redline - 7200 rpm
- Max Speed - 437.742 km/h (272.5 mph)
- Dry Weight - 2,750 lbs. = 1247kg.
- 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 0-200 mph in under 16s, (15.1s - 15.8s) according to SSC's gear ratio testing results.[12]
Special versions
2009 - SSC Ultimate Aero EV (Designed model)
This section reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (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.[13]
In 2009 SSC announced electric powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV specifications.[14] "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. No news has been heard since about the project.
- Length and width reduced from Ultimate Aero engine car version
2013 - SSC Ultimate Aero XT
SSC Ultimate Aero XT - the special edition to celebrate and end the production run of the model. The XT will be built in a limited run of just five examples and will utilize some key assemblies that will feature in the Tuatara, for instance, SSC's proprietary developed 6.9 litre all-aluminum twin-turbo V8 engine unit and several other features to go along with the new engine unit such as enhanced cooling, transmission upgrades as well as a seven-speed paddle-shifted gearbox.[15][16]
Technical specification (official manufacturer numbers)
- Engine - SSC proprietary Billet Aluminum 423.6 cubic-inch / 6.94 litre Twin-Turbo V8
- Horsepower - 1,300 bhp (969 kW; 1,318 PS) @ 6800 rpm
- Torque - 1,361 N⋅m (1,004 lb⋅ft) @ 6800 rpm
- Redline - 9200 rpm
- Max Speed - 275 mph /443kmh
- Drag Coefficient - 0.357
- Dry Weight - 2,800 lbs. = 1270 kg.
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).[17] 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).[18]
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).[19] 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.[20]
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.[21]
The car's 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]
References
- ^ a b c "SSC Ultimate Aero". Retrieved 2012-02-17.
- ^ "2004 SSC AERO SC/8T". Barrett-jackson.com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
- ^ a b c "Shelby Supercars' old specification". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
- ^ "Shelby Supercars' old homepage". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
- ^ "Shelby SuperCars: Official Ulimate Aero Specifications".
- ^ "Autocar Magazine: Bugatti Veyron Road Test".
- ^ "Jay Leno's Review of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT".
- ^ "Car specifications".
- ^ "SSC Ultimate Aero TT Supercar Up For Bids On eBay". Archived from the original on 2008-02-07. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
- ^ "Three Changes Announced for the Ultimate Aero in 2008".
- ^ Phillips, Drew (2008-12-16). "Updated SSC Ultimate Aero boasts 104 hp (78 kW) over the old 2007 model, claimed top speed of 267 mph (430 km/h)". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
- ^ "Home of the Tuatara & Ultimate Aero". SSC North America. 2007-09-13. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
- ^ "SSC 'Going Green' In New SuperCar Development".
- ^ "SSC Announces Electric Powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV Specifications".
- ^ http://www.sscnorthamerica.com/news-080212.php
- ^ http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1078221_ssc-sending-out-ultimate-aero-with-tuatara-powered-xt
- ^ "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.
- ^ "SSC confident Ultimate Aero TT will be will be world's fastest soon - Autoblog". Retrieved 2007-12-31.
- ^ "SSC Ultimate Aero News Page about Record".
- ^ "It's Official: SSC's Ultimate Aero Speed Record is Validated by Guinness World Records" (PDF) (Press release). Shelby SuperCars. October 9, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
- ^ "Details of the World Record Car Auction". Worldrecordcarauction.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
- ^ 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.