2006 SSC Ultimate Aero

SSC Ultimate Aero specs
Top Speed: 273 mph / 439.5 km/h
0-60 mph: 3 seconds
Engine: Supercharged V-8 1046 HP

America no longer takes a backseat in the world of supercars. The 2006 SSC Ultimate Aero is the fastest American car on the road. Shelby Super Cars (SSC) has created the Ultimate Aero as direct competition to the new Bugatti Veyron. The Ultimate Aero is best known for its stability and endurance at speeds greater than 250 mph. In fact, it is estimated (in wind tunnel tests) that the supercar’s top speed is closer to 273 mph.

Exclusive and Record Breaking Speed
The Ultimate Aero is an exclusive automobile to own. Only twenty-five Aeros will be created throughout 2006 and 2007. There is not an exact breakdown, however, of the number of traditional Aeros and Ultimate Aeros in that number. The traditional Aero sports car is nothing to sneeze at with top speeds around 240 mph, but the SSC Ultimate Aero rules the road. In fact, in the Ultimate Aero broke the Road & Track slalom record formerly held by the Ferrari Enzo

Distinctive Design
The Aero is designed with scissor doors, much like the Lamborghini and Ferrari sports cars. It also makes good use of carbon fiber and titanium. This keeps the overall weight of the Aero low to help with overall speed. Fast car Ultimate Aero has further modifications, including making almost all equipment optional, to further reduce weight. For example, the Ultimate Aero has no air conditioning or trunk space, but most would consider this a fair trade for the power the vehicle produces.

The Bottom Line
The SSC Ultimate Aero sports car is a premium example of American craftsmanship. Of course, supercars such as this come with a price tag capable of making a serious dent in your bottom line. The base Aero is available from around $240,000, while the Ultimate Aero is projected to reach a price closer to $650,000.

For those able to afford the ultimate in speed, no price is too high for such an exclusive and exotic machine. The rest of us will have to be content watching for the Ultimate Aero’s performance on the International Show Circuit beginning in November, 2006