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| SSC Ultimate Aero |
My top ten cool car list would not be complete without the SSC Ultimate Aero, conceptualized by Jerod Shelby, of Shelby SuperCars, an American automotive manufacturer, founded in 1999. Billed as the World's Fastest Production Car, as verified by Guinness World Records™ in 2007, the Aero takes driving to a new level. With the world's first one-piece carbon fiber wheel produced by Carbon Revolution, this supercar is reputed to be one-third lighter than the Bugatti Veyron, and boasts a massive 1200 horse power. Its top speed has been tested at 257.41mph. Believe it or not, they are projecting another first for the car at speeds of 273mph.
Headquartered in Tri-Cities, Washington, SSC labored seven long years on the development of the Ultimate Aero. What is truly impressive about Shelby's design and subsequent production vehicle, is that he did not make his announcement until the car was actually built and tested. Often, car manufacturers announce their concepts in advance. Sketches might be available for public viewing, but for the most part, they do not keep the possibility of a newer model secret. They want people to anticipate the release of the car. Even now there is plenty of talk about the next generation SSC supercar, which presently has no name.
The Ultimate Aero is a direct competitor to Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti. What separates the Aero from other exotic cars, though, is the fact that almost every feature is optional, in order to reduce the weight, giving it the edge on speed. Trunk space and air conditioning are two components that can be omitted, for instance. With a price tag of between $650,000 and $750,000US, it certainly is much cheaper than the Bugatti Veyron, and the Lamborghini Reventon, but, it is still one of the most expensive cars in the world, making it around number five or six depending on whose list is consulted.
Headquartered in Tri-Cities, Washington, SSC labored seven long years on the development of the Ultimate Aero. What is truly impressive about Shelby's design and subsequent production vehicle, is that he did not make his announcement until the car was actually built and tested. Often, car manufacturers announce their concepts in advance. Sketches might be available for public viewing, but for the most part, they do not keep the possibility of a newer model secret. They want people to anticipate the release of the car. Even now there is plenty of talk about the next generation SSC supercar, which presently has no name.
The exterior of the SSC Ultimate Aero is sleek with the rear sloping down dramatically, making it almost flat in appearance. It is offered in twelve colors ranging from white or black to blues, oranges, reds, green, yellow, gray and purple. The interior coordinates with black, tan, creme, gray and red. If none of these standard colors suit your fancy, custom colors can be ordered. Like the Ferrari Enzo, and older model Lamborghinis, the two scissor doors work in a butterfly fashion to open and close.
Lastly, some of the specifications that make up the SSC Ultimate Aero are carbon fiber, composite, steel space frame; Michelin Pilot Sport tires; SSC Designed Billet Aluminum V-8 engine (based on the Corvette engine); torque of 1112; total weight of 2750 pounds; and acceleration of 0-60 in 2.78 seconds. In 2010, it was announced that SSC had signed an agreement with Jason Castriota to help design the next-generation Ultimate Aero. Castriota is a supercar designer who has worked for Saab, Stile Bertone, and Pininfarina.
Critics have already complained that the design of the Aero is unfashionable, and not worthy or elitist enough of the technological performance it provides. Hiring Castriota is one way to make the newer model perfect in design. Plus, his name alone can help justify the new price tag, which rumors say will be close to $900,000US.
Lastly, some of the specifications that make up the SSC Ultimate Aero are carbon fiber, composite, steel space frame; Michelin Pilot Sport tires; SSC Designed Billet Aluminum V-8 engine (based on the Corvette engine); torque of 1112; total weight of 2750 pounds; and acceleration of 0-60 in 2.78 seconds. In 2010, it was announced that SSC had signed an agreement with Jason Castriota to help design the next-generation Ultimate Aero. Castriota is a supercar designer who has worked for Saab, Stile Bertone, and Pininfarina.
Critics have already complained that the design of the Aero is unfashionable, and not worthy or elitist enough of the technological performance it provides. Hiring Castriota is one way to make the newer model perfect in design. Plus, his name alone can help justify the new price tag, which rumors say will be close to $900,000US.
(Source : www.tencoolcars.com/ssc-ultimate-aero.php)
