SSC Ultimate Aero TT Review

The United States has been bruited about as the industry leader whether in electronic gadgets, farm implements, with planes, over trucks and probably even with super cars. Not to be outdone by its European and Asian counterparts, the SSC Shelby Super Car, is one that manufactures exotic super cars and this company is based in Washington.

Jerod Shelby, the company owner, created the SSC Aero and another version to join the elite few such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Bugatti to name some. The American version of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT delivers higher performance levels than many of European models to compete with the fastest, most powerful and expensive production cars in the world.

SSC Aero is outfitted with a special door that closes and opens like a scissors with enough leg room to accommodate 2 passengers. The car’s powertrain comes with an engine that boasts of 1,183 bhp (880kW) at 6875 rpm and 1,094 lbs.ft (6,150rpm) of torque from a proprietary twin-turbo 6.2 liter V8 power plant.

The Ultimate Aero TT produces more emissions-legal horsepower compared to any production car in the world. It is lightweight and approximately weighs only 2,750 pounds due to the extensive use of carbon fiber and titanium all over. Testing the car at a wind tunnel at NASA’s Langley, Virginia facility shows a coefficient drag of only.357 and is capable of speeds of up to 273mph.

The SSC Aero employs a reliable independent suspension system to give passengers a comfortable ride. The suspension system uses unequal aluminum alloy “A” arms with an adjustable hydraulic tube type shock absorbers and an anti- roll bar in front with an opposed coil-over springs in the rear.

Both front and rear tires have 14-inch properly vented and slotted disc brakes with corresponding 6 piston calipers. Tire sizes are 245 45-18 and 345 30-19 Michelin Pilot Sports A, for the front and rear tires respectively while controlled by a Rack & Pinion and a power assist steering system. Under normal driving conditions, the SSC covers a mileage rating of 18 mpg on city streets and 27 mpg on the highway.

Despite the penchant for the Ultimate Aero for speed, it remains a nice car to drive, to retain its idle characteristics and superb handling capability. Aero manufacturers have provided amenities comparable to that of luxury sedans such as supple leather and suede interior trimmings complementing the Recaro seats. Moreover it is equipped with a receptive air-conditioning system, a ten speaker audio system, DVD player, computer guided navigation system, back-up camera and a car controlled lift that elevates the front to an extra 4 inches to navigate road imperfections.

The Ultimate Aero has been geared to challenge the speed record now held by Bugatti Veyron and previously by Koenigsegg CCX.

Our propensity to strive for self-recognition borders on maybe paranoia and insanity. How else would you describe a human behavior that seeks fulfillment in breaking record feats?