SSC Ultimate Aero sets new “World Fastest Production Car” record

Shelby Supercars (SSC) has reported a world record 257mph run in speed testing of its 1183bhp, twin-turbo V8 Ultimate Aero TT. The first pass was recorded at 257.41mph (414.31kmh) and the second pass was recorded at 254.88mph (410.24kmh) in testing on a temporarily-closed two lane stretch of public highway in the company’s home state of Washington for an average top speed of 256.15mph.

The procedure outlined by Guinness World Records to validate a land speed Record involves the vehicle driving a predetermined course, and then turning around and driving in the opposite direction within one hour. Top speeds from each run are then averaged to obtain the official speed.

The data for the record breaking run was collected by Dewetron's GPS tracking system and is to be verified by Guinness before the title of "World's Fastest Production Car" is officially claimed. The feat breaks the current official record held by the Koenigsegg CCR at 242mph and the Bugatti Veyron's unofficial speed of 253mph.

SSC overcame the lack of a dedicated test site in achieving the speed and the result could have been faster if not for the road’s slight elevation changes and an S-bend 1.5 miles before braking was required according to test driver Chuck Bigelow: "if there was additional straight pavement on which to accelerate, the top speed would have been considerably higher”.

In wind tunnel testing it has been calculated that the twin-turbo V8 would be aerodynamically stable at speeds of up to 273 mph due to its low drag coefficient of 0.357.

The impressive specs of the Ultimate Aero include 1183 bhp and 1094 ft-lbs of torque (more emissions-legal horsepower than any other production automobile in the world according to SSC) and it gets there fast - acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is just 2.78 seconds.

The supercar also boasts many of the comforts found in a luxury sedan – leather interior, 10 speaker audio/DVD system, navigation system, a backup camera and a cab-controlled lift that raises the front an extra four inches to help avoid hazards on the road.

For full specs see the SSC website.