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SSC Ultimate Aero

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SSC Ultimate Aero
Alt text
SSC Aero Prototype
Overview
ManufacturerShelby SuperCars
Production2006–present
AssemblyUnited States
Body and chassis
Body style2-seat Berlinetta
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine6.34 litre 387.2 cu in V8
Dimensions
Length4,470 mm (176.0 in)
Width2,080 mm (81.9 in)
Height1,090 mm (42.9 in)
Curb weight1,292 kg (2,848 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorUltimate Aero 2

The SSC Ultimate Aero is an American-built mid-engine supercar by Shelby SuperCars. The higher-performance limited production version, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT produces more emissions-legal horsepower than any other production automobile in the world and 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),[1] with a recorded speed of 412.29 km/h (256.19 mph).[2] 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.[3] 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 (480 km/h).[4] The SSC Ultimate Aero does not have electronic aids such as ABS brakes or traction control because (to quote 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.[5]

Prototype (2004)

SSC Ultimate 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 1,270 kilograms (2,800 lb). Prototype #001 was sold in 2008 Barett-Jackson Palm Beach auction with winning bid price of $189,200.[6] Actual Barrett Jackson Auction Listing

Specifications (2006)

Styling of the Aero includes the use of butterfly doors similar to those found on the Ferrari Enzo. 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. 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.[7][8]

Alt text
Doors and Engine Cover Open

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.[8]

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)[8] at the car's redline. The base Aero, however, should "only" reach about 380 km/h (236 mph).[9] The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0–96 km/h in 2.78 seconds,[10] slower than the Bugatti Veyron which achieves 0–96 km/h in 2.46 seconds partially due to its AWD drivetrain.[11]

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 (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 a twin turbocharger with cabin adjustable boost pressure. The car is designed to use 91-octane Petrol.[12] 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$485,000.[13] 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[14]

Specifications (2009)

The new Ultimate Aero has 15% more horsepower, 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.[15]

  • 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.[16]

SSC announced electric powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV specifications.[17] "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 1,000 hp (746 kW) and 800 lb⋅ft (1,100 N⋅m) of torque enabling it to rocket to 60 mph (97 km/h) in a mere 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. 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-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).[18] 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).[19] 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 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).[20] This beat the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron, that had a top speed of 253.81 mph (408.47 km/h). However, the Super Sport version of the Veyron has since reclaimed the title.

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.[2]

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 431.072 km/h (267.86 mph).[22]

Successor (2011)

Prior to Bugatti's Veyron Super Sport achieving the top speed record for a production car with a speed of 268 mph (431 km/h), SSC worked on creating the Aero II. The Aero II is powered by a four-cam 6.8 liter twin-turbo engine, which will rev to 9000 rpm and make 1,350 bhp (1,007 kW; 1,369 PS). Unlike the current car, which has some steel in the structure, the new one will be all-carbon except for aluminum crash rails. Its transmission is the same all-SSC unit that has been proved in the current car, with the same triple-disc carbon clutch, but it will have the option of sequential paddle shifting. Many parts from the existing Ultimate Aero are re-used; the bottom end of the engine, the suspension, the Brembo carbon brakes, the steering wheel and the apertures for the dihedral doors are the same as in the Ultimate Aero. An Australian company called Carbon Revolution has developed for SSC the world's first one-piece carbon-fiber wheel – the 19-inch (480 mm) wheel at the front weighs only 5.8 kg (13 lb). The new car's entire structure will be made of F1-derived carbon. The dry weight will be under 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), putting the power-to-weight ratio, even with fluids and the driver, exceed 1,000 bhp (746 kW; 1,014 PS) per tonne. It will cost $970,000, plus tax, when it goes on sale late next year. The first will be delivered in a year’s time.[23]

References

  1. ^ "Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport sets land speed record at 267.81 mph!". Autoblog. 2010-07-05. Retrieved 2010-07-05.
  2. ^ a b "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.
  3. ^ "Guinness World Records certificate" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-12-31. [dead link]
  4. ^ "Home of the Ultimate Aero". Shelby SuperCars. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  5. ^ "The 10 Most Expensive Cars in the World". Onelargeprawn. 2009-01-17. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
  6. ^ "2004 SSC AERO SC/8T". Barrett-jackson.com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  7. ^ "Jay Leno's Review of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT".
  8. ^ a b c "Shelby Supercars' old specification". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
  9. ^ "Shelby Supercars' old homepage". Archived from the original on 2006-02-08.
  10. ^ "Shelby SuperCars: Official Ulimate Aero Specifications".
  11. ^ "Autocar Magazine: Bugatti Veyron Road Test".
  12. ^ "Car specifications".
  13. ^ "SSC Ultimate Aero TT Supercar Up For Bids On eBay". Archived from the original on 2008-02-07. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  14. ^ "Three Changes Announced for the Ultimate Aero in 2008".
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ "SSC 'Going Green' In New SuperCar Development".
  17. ^ "SSC Announces Electric Powertrain and Ultimate Aero EV Specifications".
  18. ^ "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.
  19. ^ "SSC confident Ultimate Aero TT will be will be world's fastest soon - Autoblog". Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  20. ^ "SSC Ultimate Aero News Page about Record".
  21. ^ "Details of the World Record Car Auction". Worldrecordcarauction.com. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  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.
  23. ^ "SSC: new fastest car in the world? - BBC Top Gear". Topgear.com. 2010-05-30. Retrieved 2010-10-11.

External links

Preceded by Fastest street-legal production car
2007 412.28 km/h (256.18 mph) 		Succeeded by
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=SSC_Ultimate_Aero&oldid=434327028"