Specifications (2006)

Styling of the Aero includes the use of butterfly doors similar to those found on the Mercedes/McLaren SLR, Saleen S7, Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, and the Ferrari Enzo. Carbonfiber and titanium are used throughout the car, helping to limit the weight to 2,850 lb for the standard Aero.

Wind tunnel testing indicates that the Ultimate Aero could theoretically reach a top speed of 273 mph given appropriate transmission gear ratios, although the supplied transmission would result in 260 mph at the car's redline. The Ultimate Aero accelerates from 0-96 km/h in 2.78 seconds, slower than the Bugatti Veyron which achieves 0-96 km/h in 2.46 seconds because of its 4WD layout and quad-turbocharged W16.

Speed attempt

SSC tested the top speed capability of the Ultimate Aero TT on March 22, 2007. The original test was scheduled for March 21, 2007 but was called off due to bad weather conditions. SSC closed down a 12-mile stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada for the event. But they weren't able to beat the Bugatti Veyron.

SSC announced they had broken the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 256.18 mph in West Richland, WA on September 13, 2007. The reported record speed came from an average of two runs in opposite directions, in accordance with Guinness Book of World Records rules. The first run clocked 257.44 mph and the return trip 254.91 mph. The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records on October 9, 2007, gave the SSC Ultimate Aero the title of world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 256.18 mph. This beat the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron, that has a top speed of 253.81 mph.

In addition to the fastest production car record, SSC also applied for the world record for the highest horsepower for an emissions-legal production automobile.

The record-breaking 2007 Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero Chassis #TT-02 was later put into auction by Shelby SuperCars, which also included SSC World Record commemorative watch, key fob, original record-breaking wheels and tires, framed official Guinness World Records certificate with commemorative photo signed by Shelby SuperCars team.