World's Fastest Production Car
Faster than a Bugatti Veyron, despite costing less than half the price..
It has a turbocharged 6.3-liter aluminum V8 that develops 1183 hp at 7000 rpm, on 91-octane fuel.
Street-legal.
What is it?
[It's] called the SSC Ultimate Aero. The guy who built it, Jerod Shelby (no relation to Carroll Shelby), did it all in reverse compared to most fledgling supercar companies. First, after seven years of work, he produced the car. Next, he set a production car world speed record on the road and certified the SSC for U.S. emissions. Only then, after he broke the record, did he finally tell everybody about it. At a two-way average speed of 256 mph, the SSC Ultimate Aero is actually faster than a $1.5 million Bugatti Veyron, which has been clocked at 253 mph. And at about $650,000, it’s a lot less expensive.
One of the coolest things? According to the maker, if you drive carefully, you can get 19mpg highway in it.
They plan to make 50 of them. Next up for the company is a 200mph 4-door sports sedan.
Anyway, there's plenty of information in the article by Jay Leno (linked above). And more information on this hot car in the video that I can't seem to embed in the post, but can be watched on Page 2 of the article linked above.
--Nathan of Brainfertilizer Fame
Mochi Mochi on November 01, 2008 at 08:53 PM
so inexpensive - i'm going to buy one! and with gas mileage like that what's not to like?
Nathan of Brainfertilizer Fame on November 01, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Okay, I admit it represents a departure from the normal Average Joe car lusts we normally have around here. But I couldn't help it; I was quite impressed with this car.
I like many of the same things Jay Leno does: the guy waited until he accomplished something before going to the media, instead of bragging beforehand; I also like that this is a car that can be used to pick up the groceries or commute to work...if you have that much money to waste this car picking up the groceries.
I consider it 99.9% likely I will never have the money to afford this car...nor anyone I ever know personally, for that matter. But maybe someone is sitting around with a spare $650k in his pocket, and was having a difficult time deciding between buying a Chevy Cobalt or a Ford Fusion. This article will help just that sort of person.
Jason O. on November 02, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Corvette Z06 and ZR1 are the only supercars where average Joes can create a plan, save and eventually get one.
The Original Ian on November 02, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Yeah, it's definitely not a typical Car Lust, but I have to respect anything that can be called the "fastest production car ever." Especially if it does it for less than $1 million.
Mochi Mochi on November 02, 2008 at 12:57 PM
this whole $1million dollar car thing is begging for a challenge. if you had $1Million to spend on cars what would you buy? it's a completely demented question. I can just see myself saying: "i'd buy 10 91 civic si's, 1 89 and 1 90 prelude 4ws, an NSX, 2 lotus europas, 1 super 7, a honda cr110, an R5 turbo..."
like your article nathan. not being snarky - this is a cool car. impressive in all respects. the fact that is can actually get decent gas mileage is one of the more impressive features.
Rob the SVX guy on November 02, 2008 at 08:04 PM
High on performance, but kinda low on styling. Looks like a generic 'fast car' from some unlicensed videogame. :| Lacks personality or character, in my opinion. That said, you can't argue with what it can do.... but still. Kinda bleh looking really.
Speaking of hauling ass and groceries... I wonder what the fastest WAGON in the world is?
Cookie the Dog's Owner on November 03, 2008 at 06:37 AM
If I were ever going to have a supercar, this would probably be the one.
Fastest wagon? In 1963 and 1964, it was possible to option out a Studebaker Lark with the supercharged, bored-out Avanti R3. I don't know if anyone ever did, but if they did, it would definitely be in the hunt.
Mochi Mochi on November 03, 2008 at 11:01 AM
fastest wagon this morning... hmm not sure but i did see a vega gt wagon this morning.
That Car Guy on November 03, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I think the fastest waggin' in the world is our dachshund in the morning. When she wants her breakfast, her little tail sure goes a-'waggin'!
giovanni on November 27, 2009 at 05:39 PM
i have one of those but in red
miney on July 09, 2010 at 04:38 PM
nice cars.
Elijah Whitmore on March 05, 2011 at 03:23 PM
FRAUD! The Bugatti Veyron can go up to 256 mph! With a decimal point though but it isn't faster then. It all depends on the decimals! You figure that out then you tell us how fast the Bugatti Veyron Really is!