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Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome

Domenick Yoney — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV

Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Shelby SuperCars, creators of the Utimate Aero (above), infamously announced last Summer that it would begin building the world's fastest electric car, the Ultimate Aero EV. The company said the EV supercar would be unleashed sometime this summer at an American racetrack in a show of fast laps and fast charging. While that's yet to happen, SSC's Green division has announced plans to put the heart of its electric powertrain inside a hybrid motor-home.

A recent agreement with Jones & Sons Chassis will see the All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP) installed into a serial hybrid recreational vehicle platform with a 150-mile all-electric range. The REERV (range-extended electric recreational vehicle) will supposedly be able to achieve a total range of 500 miles and be capable of refilling its battery overnight on the 220V, 50 amp service typically found at campgrounds.

Although no time frame was given for the project, an earlier release from SSC Green states, ambitiously, that they hope to supply over a quarter of the drivetrains needed to reach Obama's 2015 million plug-in car goal. The 260,000 AESP's would be be built at its manufacturing plant if the $30 million Department of Energy's Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative grant to fund their expansion plan comes through. Check out both press releases after the break.

Gallery: 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

Continue reading Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome

Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: World's Fastest Production Car

Drew Phillips — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Supercars

Click above for a high-res gallery of the SSC Ultimate Aero Twin-Turbo

You've always had the opportunity to buy the world's fastest car, but now you can buy THE world's fastest car. The actual SSC Ultimate Aero TT that set the Guinness-certified top speed record for a production car is up for auction on eBay with your name on it. The 2007 model comes with Palladium paint and black Alcantara interior, nav system, 10-speaker audio/DVD system, back-up camera, and power everything. Oh, did we mention the 1183 horsepower twin-turbo V8 mounted behind the seats?

Sure, the 2009 model has 100+ more horsepower and a theoretical top speed of 270 mph, but that's yet to be verified, making this very 2007 model still the world's fastest production car. At just over $150,000 the reserve has not yet been met, but the minimum bid is surely quite a bit less than the base price of a Bugatti Veyron or Koenigsegg CCX.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: World's Fastest Production Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Supercars

We've been eying the press releases about the Ultimate Aero EV from Shelby Super Cars with a good deal of skepticism since it was first announced back in mid-2008. It seems that some of the early specs were released prematurely, though the revised information still leaves us scratching our heads.

Now that we're getting closer to the car's supposed release later this year, the automaker is letting out some extremely interesting details about the EV's powertrain, which will include twin electric motors with 500 horsepower each, a three-speed automatic gearbox and a mythical lithium ion battery pack that it claims can be quick charged to full capacity in 10 minutes via a 220V line.

As much as we'd love to see Shelby's system work exactly as advertised, we should mention that the math isn't on SSC's side -- that's some major amperage and is seriously outside the realm of capabilities for any 220V outlet installed in a residential home. Come on, SSC, prove us wrong.

[Source: Shelby Supercars via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV

Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC Ultimate Aero EV claims 200 mile-range, 10 minute recharging

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Coupe, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Supercars

The unique curves of a supercar tend to attract a lot of attention. But these days, some people are likely to turn away from a sleek and powerful automobile once they learn it guzzles more gasoline than a Hummer. Thankfully, those people are usually the type that can't afford them in the first place. In any case, the real spotlight getters now come with fuel saving efficient power plants. The guys from Silicon Valley kicked off a new trend with the creation of Tesla. Following in the Roadster's footsteps we first saw Ronn Motor Company announce their hydrogen supplemented 40 miles-per-gallon Scorpion HX, and now Shelby Supercars has thrown their hat into the ring. We were first teased with a few specs on an Ultimate EV last July, and now a few more details of the system have been put into words.

The Ultimate Aero EV will feature SSC's newly developed package called the All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP). The system utilizes a lithium battery pack with the ability to charge via a 110-volt outlet in only 10 minutes. The pack, SSC maintains, provides a 150-200 mile range. The Ultimate Aero EV will combine this juice storage with a pair of 500 horsepower electric motors to achieve these claims. It all certainly comes off as a hard pill to swallow, especially since the current necessary to charge a large battery pack at 110-volt in 10 minutes would be massive, to say nothng of dealing with the high heat generated as a result. Perhaps though, the 200 mile range claim comes when the power output is kept at a continually scaled down value. In any case, while the claims sound fantastical, we've had our doubts about SSC before, only to be proven wrong. So here's hoping. View the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading SSC Ultimate Aero EV claims 200 mile-range, 10 minute recharging

SSC Ultimate Aero EV claims 200 mile-range, 10 minute recharging originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated SSC Ultimate Aero boasts 1287 hp, claimed top speed of 270 mph

Drew Phillips — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

Click above for a high-res gallery of the SSC Ultimate Aero

Not content to rest on its laurels after taking the Guinness-verified top speed world record, SSC has revamped the Ultimate Aero for 2009 to make it more powerful, more aerodynamic, and even faster. We thought the 2008 model had plenty of horsepower with 1183 ponies underneath the hood, but SSC has increased that number to 1287 courtesy of a new one-piece billet aluminum engine block that improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities. Helping to push all that horsepower through the air is a redesigned front fascia with a new center grille opening, as well as carbon fiber louvers that feed 20% more air to the radiators. The aerodynamic changes, combined with the increased power, yield an estimated 270 mph top speed. SSC has also given the interior a thorough refresh, adding carbon fiber trim to the dash, air vents, door sills, and around the gauge cluster. A new center console features an Azentek PC Infotainment system that can process the car's onboard diagnostic system. There's no word on whether they'll attempt to best their top speed record achieved earlier this year, but we're sure SSC would like to further distance themselves from the Bugatti Veyron or the 9ff GT9. More details on the 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero can be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero

[Source: Shelby Supercars]

Continue reading Updated SSC Ultimate Aero boasts 1287 hp, claimed top speed of 270 mph

Updated SSC Ultimate Aero boasts 1287 hp, claimed top speed of 270 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Supercars promises breakthrough EV, delivers a lot of hyperbole

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Supercars

Shelby Supercars has just issued its second release this week about its miraculous new project, the Ultimate Aero EV. As we read the announcement, it was obvious that it was exactly the same release from just a few days ago and the hyperbole was in no way toned down. They are promising to deliver a working prototype by February of next year, followed by full production examples by the fourth quarter of 2009. That, in and of itself, is highly improbable, but it just gets better from there. The performance the company is promising is insanely impressive and about as likely to come to fruition as airborne swine or your fairy godmother.

SSC promises two, 500hp electric motors equipped with a triple disc clutch and a six-speed gearbox. As Tesla found out the hard way, making a gearbox last with an electric motor is tough, even with half as much power. But it gets better. SSC promises a power source with extended times between charges, perhaps as long as several years. We're still confused, but we don't think it's a coincidence that the company is making this announcement in the same week it announced its hopes of securing new venture funding.

Building a car powered by an internal combustion engine to go 250 mph is less of a big deal in this day and age. You just need an engine with enough power and a slippery shape. Building the kind of electric car that SSC is promising involves invalidating the most fundamental laws of physics. So for the time being, we remain comfortable skeptical.

Gallery: 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo

[Source: Shelby Supercars]

Continue reading Shelby Supercars promises breakthrough EV, delivers a lot of hyperbole

Shelby Supercars promises breakthrough EV, delivers a lot of hyperbole originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Supercars

Click above for a gallery of high-res images of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

Green performance cars are the new darlings of today's small crop of boutique auto builders. From the Tesla Roadster to the Fisker Karma, and now, the new Ultimate Aero EV. The easiest way for the little guys to attract big attention is to make attractive, high performance cars with green credentials. So, it's with a grain of salt that we bring you news of the aforementioned electric hyper coupe from Shelby SuperCars. Considering that the supercar manufacturer claims that its battery will not require a charge "for six years" (should we proclaim them early favorites for McCain's battery prize?), powering dual, five-hundred horsepower electric motors, the whole thing sounds more than a bit fishy. It deserves noting that the battery technology doesn't exist to support those claims and, while five-hundred horsies can indeed be extracted from an electric motor, that would have to be one big honkin' motor... and they plan on using two in their EV. Guiness World Record for the fastest car? Check. Really big EV aspirations? Double Check. And now, it's time for a reality check.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT

[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the SSC Ultimate Aero, lives

Drew Phillips — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Celebrities

Click above to watch Leno drive the Ultimate Aero

We have a lot of respect for Jay Leno. Not only because he owns some seriously impressive cars, but because he actually drives them. Sure, we're a bit jealous, but even more so after watching him drive the SSC Ultimate Aero, the Guinness-certified fastest production car in the world. As you might expect, Leno was initially skeptical of the American-built supercar, but after close inspection and a stint behind the wheel he was truly impressed. The video also has some interesting info, including the news that SSC plans to build more cars -- a 220 mph four-door sedan as well as the world's fastest "green" supercar. Considering what SSC did with the Ultimate Aero, we wouldn't put it past them, but we're skeptical nonetheless. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the SSC Ultimate Aero, lives

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the SSC Ultimate Aero, lives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: SSC Ultimate Aero TT record run caught on tape

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Supercars

click above image to view new pics of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's record run

It was made (almost) official last week that Shelby Supercars' Ultimate Aero TT has been crowned the fastest production car in the world by the kind folks at Guinness - after they file the appropriate paperwork. Until now, all we've had are pictures of the 1183 HP, six-liter V8-powered beast looking menacing at speed, but thankfully SSC posted video of the record-breaking run on its site.

It's pure aural bliss, and although the camera work isn't the most compelling, the sound is enough to make you weak in the knees. Click on and enjoy.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT

VIDEO: SSC Ultimate Aero TT record run caught on tape originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC (almost officially) takes top speed record

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

And the award for Top Speed Achieved by a Production Automobile goes to: Shelby Supercars' Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo. Claiming a stretch of public road in Washington State for the effort, the SSC UATT made two runs in accordance with Guinness Book of World Record rules, one in each direction. The first run clocked 257.11 MPH, the second, return one came in at 254.55 MPH. The average: 255.83 MPH. That bests all challengers -- yes, even the Veyron -- by at least 3 MPH.

For comparison, the SSC's V8 packs 1,183 BHP and 1,094 ft-lbs. as opposed to the Veyron's 16 cylinders, 1,001 HP, and 922 ft-lb. In addition to a bigger punch, the SSC also carries less weight: 2,700 pounds versus the Veyron's 4,162. Much of the Veyron poundage no doubt is attributable to its interior, which is a splendid place to be even when you're not doing 250+. SSC still needs to submit the paperwork and get official certification from Guinness before it's run is, as we say, officially official. Intriguing, though, that of all the names mentioned, the one not broached was the previous holder of the top speed record: the Callaway Sledgehammer.

[Source: Jalopnik]

SSC (almost officially) takes top speed record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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