There's little point in arguing with SSC (Shelby Supercars) when they describe their Ultimate Aero as one of the most extreme vehicles on the road today. After all, it really is. Having the crown as not only the world's most powerful production car, but also recently acquiring 'world's fastest production car', this is an incredible vehicle, boasting 4-figure power and torque statistics and top speeds of a cool 255 mph. And it could be yours to own, pockets permitting.
Performance is squeezed out of a twin-turbo eight-cylinder V-aligned engine, generating one thousand, one hundred and eighty three horsepower (read that again, that's 1183 hp). It beats even its more expensive supercar rivals on power hands down and easily allows the Ultimate Aero to claim 'world's most powerful' production vehicle title. In addition to ridiculously-high raw power, one thousand and ninety four (1094) lb-ft of torque is also on tap, coupled with the Aero's lightweight, aerodynamic body and 'the best handling systems available'.
Tested by Guiness World Records officials in Washington, the vehicle had to drive a pre-determined course, turn around and return within the hour in the opposite direction. With speed recordings on both runs, any discrepancies in course or conditions are ironed out. The Ultimate Aero's first run topped 257.11 mph, with the return run reaching 254.55 mph. Entering the record books will be the averaged figure of 255.83 mph. It nabs the 'fastest production car' title from Bugatti's 253.2 mph Veyron.
SSC Ultimate Aero Charging Towards 'World Fastest Production Car' Record
WEST RICHLAND, WA (08/01/2007) Shelby SuperCars (SSC), manufacturer of the world’s most powerful production car, the Ultimate Aero, announced today that speed testing for the title "World's Fastest Production Car" will be finalized by the end of August. Speed testing is being conducted in the company's home state of Washington and is being validated by Guinness World Records.
There is a standard procedure outlined by Guinness World Records to validate a land speed record. The vehicle must drive the predetermined course, turn around, and drive back the opposite way within one hour. This is to negate any discrepancy there may be in the course or conditions. Top speeds from each run are then averaged to obtain the official speed. This method has been used for decades as the benchmark for land speed record attempts.
Dewetron, a company known for performance testing of missile, train, aerospace, and automotive capabilities will accurately monitor and measure the speed of the Ultimate Aero for the record run. Dewetron’s equipment is so precise that Guinness World Records approved their systems as a replacement for the standard 1,000m laser traps. Dewetron utilizes 4-12 satellites and numerous onboard sensors to track a vehicle's speed.
The lack of access to a US-based proving ground able to accommodate the Ultimate Aero’s top speed presented SSC with a massive challenge. After scouring the country for months, SSC found the solution in their home state of Washington when they were granted the opportunity to close public highways for testing. Finding appropriate roads eligible for closure proved to be a tedious process as SSC’s teams scouted the sites first hand. After a potential site was identified, the company would need to apply for a road closure permit. Hiring police, a crew to man the closed section, and securing insurance for the high-speed test sessions were just a few of the undertakings necessary to be granted the rare closure of public roads.
Since the first test session, SSC has successfully concluded several rounds of high-speed safety and durability testing for each assembly of the Ultimate Aero. During these sessions, SSC was able to verify all the engineering specifications as well as aerodynamic data posted at NASA's Langley wind tunnel. Throughout the test sessions, the measured top speed of the Ultimate Aero continued to rise, achieving a speed of 241.4 mph at a throttle position of only 71% during the latest transmission durability test. After reviewing all test data, Jerod Shelby and the SSC engineering team feel comfortable in maximizing the capabilities of the 1183 hp Ultimate Aero.
For more information on SSC and the upcoming test session visit their new website at www.shelbysupercars.com or contact Motorcars of Las Vegas, the exclusive US dealer for SSC vehicles (www.MotorCarsLV.com).
Rolli
September 17, 2007 2:12 PM
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