Autoblog

Shelby SuperCars gets a new name

John Neff — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal

When you hear the Shelby name, the first person who comes to mind is likely Carroll, father of the Cobra, racing legend, and a man still involved in the development of performance Fords at nearly 90 years of age.

You probably don't think of Jerod Shelby, even though his company, Shelby SuperCars, has for years been building cars that compete for the title of world's fastest. His latest creation, the Tuatara, might steal the title back from the Bugatti Veyron, but in the meantime has proven to be very popular in the Middle East.

Problem is, the automotive world isn't big enough for two companies named after a Shelby, and so it has come to pass that Jerod's company will change its name from Shelby SuperCars to SSC North America. The switcheroo is reportedly a result of a settlement with Carroll Shelby Licensing and Carroll Shelby International.

With that behind him, hopefully Jerod can get back to the Veyron-beating business. His company has also just broken ground on the new 36,000-square-foot world headquarters and production facility in West Richland, Washington we reported on a few months back.

Shelby SuperCars gets a new name originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Supercars Tuatara racks up $13M worth of sales at Dubai Motor Show

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Middle East, Luxury

Shelby Supercars hasn't had any trouble finding buyers for the company's Tuatara. According to Gulf News, the exotic drew a whopping 10 buyers at the Dubai International Motor Show. Global recession? What global recession? Each Tuatara comes with a sticker price of $1.3 million, and even Shelby Supercars didn't expect to find the sort of following that it did at the show. The brand largely decided to attend the event to raise awareness about its efforts in high-performance engineering, with founder Jerod Shelby saying his goal was merely to find a distributor for the region.

The Tautara wasn't the only hit at the Dubai International Motor Show, however. The Lamborghini Aventador drew in 14 new buyers, and Canada's De Macros GT1 enjoyed a fair bit of attention as well.

We can hardly blame Tuatara buyers for their enthusiasm. The coupe looks brilliant, and SSC promises the car will deliver 1,350 horsepower from its 6.6-liter V8. That much power should enable the Jason Castriota design to reach 200 mph in just 16 seconds and power on to a top speed of 275 mph.

Shelby Supercars Tuatara racks up $13M worth of sales at Dubai Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC previews radical Tuatara interior

Zach Bowman — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Design/Style, Luxury

Shelby SuperCars has released images and video depicting a rendering of the interior of its forthcoming Tuatara. The company says that designers have worked to integrate some of the vehicle's exterior elements into the cockpit, which is why we're guessing the cabin is littered with perforations. The driver will be treated to a glass gauge cluster that relies on Pico projectors to display pertinent information like speed and engine rpm. The tech functions similarly to heads up displays on vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette. The right side of the cluster depicts current gear selection along with a shift-indicator tree while the left side fields any other practical information.

Interestingly, the passenger will also be provided a set of screens with a variety of information, including current speed, engine speed or horsepower at any given time. The company says that the effort makes riding shotgun more of a co-pilot experience. In addition, a large touch screen in the center console takes care of most creature comfort and entertainment settings, though the vehicle still relies on honest tactile buttons for more critical systems like traction control and drive modes. Follow the jump to see the video for yourself.

Continue reading SSC previews radical Tuatara interior

SSC previews radical Tuatara interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby SuperCars working toward new Washington state factory

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, MISC

So many independent supercar operations have disappeared as fast as they've sprung up. But Shelby SuperCars is out to make a name for itself. Not only did the upstart manage to challenge the likes of Koenigsegg and Bugatti for top-speed supremacy with its Ultimate Aero, but now it's coming back with its stunning new Tuatara.

While the Ultimate Aero has been built at a combination of facilities in California, Arizona and Washington State, SSC is apparently planning one central location to build the slippery Tuatara, details of which have just begun to arrive from local news media.

A 27,300-square-foot facility is being proposed in West Richland, Washington - the same city where the company is currently based - on a four-acres plot currently owned by the municipal government. The location would include manufacturing, a sales showroom and office space.

The local city council is set to vote on the proposal that would seek a $830,000 grant from the state government in order to develop the infrastructure necessary to accommodate the project that would, over the course of the next five years, create 54 new jobs.

Shelby SuperCars working toward new Washington state factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC runs Tuatara prototype from 0-200 in under 16 seconds

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos

Shelby Super Cars surprised everyone when its Utlimate Aero managed to show the Bugatti Veyron a thing or two. This without the massive development budget that Volkswagen put in to developing the Veyron, mind you. But if its first shot was impressive, its follow-up should prove even more so.

Following a long line of unpronounceable supercar names, the Tuatara will drive well past its predecessor's rather derivative styling with a new shape penned by celebrated automotive designer Jason Castriota. Names and designs are all well and fine, but a car like this needs to be able to perform. And SSC promises it will.

With 1,350 horsepower on tap from its 6.8-liter V8, the Tuatara is tipped to hit 60 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 275 miles per hour. To get there, SSC has been working diligently with Aero-based prototypes. The independent exotic automaker is currently testing a new seven-speed transmission for the Tuatara, and found it can rocket from 0 to 200 mph in under 16 seconds.

That's blisteringly fast: for comparison's sake, consider that the current record-holder, the Koenigsegg Agera R, ran the same gauntlet in 17.68 seconds. Check out the video clip after the jump.

Continue reading SSC runs Tuatara prototype from 0-200 in under 16 seconds

SSC runs Tuatara prototype from 0-200 in under 16 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC Tuatara makes North American debut at Pebble Beach

Drew Phillips — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty, Design/Style, MISC

Shelby SuperCars (SSC) first showed off its forthcoming supercar, the Tuatara, last month in Shanghai, and now we've gotten our first look at the car here in Monterey. The Tuatara (pronounced twu‐tar‐ah), was unveiled earlier today on the concept car lawn at Pebble Beach.

Designed by Jason Castriota of Ferrari P4/5 fame, the Tuatara is SSC's second supercar. While the car you see here is a design model, the production version will feature a bespoke twin-turbo 7.0-liter V8 producing 1,350 horsepower, a carbon fiber sub-frame chassis, and one-piece carbon fiber wheels. While the car seen here lacks a full interior and isn't a complete runner, the design has undeniable presence, with a futuristic yet organic look that is miles ahead of its predecessor, which looked far more kit-car than supercar. What's more, the engine is said to be an all-new creation, it won't be General Motors-based like its forebearer.

We caught up with company founder Jerod Shelby, who informed us he already has five pre-orders for the car, which will be built in Washington state. Shelby is hoping to build about 16 units per year, but the facility will have a capacity of 40 units should the demand be there. He estimates that deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2013, with each example going for "just in excess of one million dollars."

While the Tuatara's predecessor, the Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo, set a new 'production car' top speed record of nearly 256 mph in 2007 (since eclipsed by Bugatti), the ever-ambitious Shelby tells Autoblog he plans to take an example to the Nürburgring soon in hopes of setting the production car record.

SSC Tuatara makes North American debut at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Supercars crowns its newest creation. Say hello to the Tuatara

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, MISC

Jerod Shelby and eGarage introduce us to the SSC Tuatara - Click above to watch video after the jump

Jerod Shelby likes to build fast cars. In 1999, he founded Shelby Supercars and set out to produce the fastest production car in the world. On September 13th, 2007, Shelby did just that when his Ultimate Aero ran down the road at 257 miles per hour. Bugatti has since produced its Veyron Super Sport, which reclaimed the speed crown. Now, Jerod is ready with another car, which we've been hearing tidbits about for nearly a year. The new car, which was penned by Jason Castriota, has been shown off to a select few, yet no one knows just what to call the newest horse in the SSC stable.

Until now...

Say hello to the Tuatara.

It's pronounced Twu-tar-ah, and the word comes from a lizard that lives down in New Zealand. Tuatara comes from the Maori language, and means "peaks on the back." Seems like an odd choice at first, but further digging into the name reveals a bit more reasoning behind the decision. It seems the tuatara lizard is a rather unique creature, and the reptile possesses the fastest evolving DNA on the planet. Also, the Tuatara supercar features a set of rear peaks of its own, courtesy of the uniquely styled rear wings.

It took Jerod Shelby and his crew a short time to achieve what others worked did in far longer spans. Now, the SSC Tuatara is ready to push even further into the void. Thanks to our friends at eGarage, we have exclusive video of Jerod Shelby revealing the new car's name and the meaning behind it, which you can view after the jump.

Continue reading Shelby Supercars crowns its newest creation. Say hello to the Tuatara

Shelby Supercars crowns its newest creation. Say hello to the Tuatara originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC Ultimate Aero II flashes backside for Top Gear

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Design/Style

SSC recently teased us with shots of their new would-be Bugatti assassin, the Ultimate Aero II and Shelby Supercars has allowed Top Gear to provide the world a new angle with which to view their exotic road warrior.

The SSC Ultimate Aero II is designed by skilled artisan Jason Castriota, who his now putting his pen to paper for Saab. The design of the front is a beautiful mix of flowing lines with subtle, hard creases. The rear end seems much more alien, but equally stunning. The previous SSC vehicle, the Ultimate Aero TT, bested the Bugatti Veyron in the all-out speed competition at 256 miles per hour. This all-new Ultimate Aero II looks like it already beat that mark while simply posing for pictures. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if someone handed us the keys then told us "where we're going... we don't need roads."

Our one nitpick? The eventual damage to the exhaust area. It already looks like that rear pod is sitting on the deck so it's unlikely the SSC will make it through the local Wal-Mart parking lot. Oh well, time to put the checkbook back in the drawer. We'll just wait for the Saab equivalent.

Gallery: 2009 SSC Ultimate Aero

SSC Ultimate Aero II flashes backside for Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SSC Ultimate Aero II: Red, white and blue Bugatti killer

Alex Nunez — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST

SSC Ultimate Aero II - Watch the "unveiling" teaser video after the jump

Shelby Supercars' Ultimate Aero TT used to be the fastest production car in the world, its 256-mph record speed eclipsing even the mighty Bugatti Veyron. Then, as of a few weeks ago, Bugatti got its act together and topped SSC's number with the new Veyron Super Sport - to the tune of 267.81 mph.

In August at Monterey, the Ultimate Aero successor, the Ultimate Aero II - penned by new Saab design chief Jason Castriota (he of Bertone Mantide / Ferrari P4/5 fame) - was unveiled in a private ceremony captured on YouTube. It was all a tease; the car was never actually shown in the "unveiling" video, only the attendees' reaction to it. Suffice it to say, the car was well-received.

And now we know why. Jalopnik has secured a pair of leaked images slated to appear in Top Gear magazine in conjunction with the car's official launch next week. As you can see, Castriota's influence is plainly visible in the Ultimate Aero II's detailing. It's got an edgier, more assertive appearance than its predecessor, and we can only assume that it has the power to back up its menacing new looks. We can't wait to get the scoop on September 8 when SSC releases full details.

In the meantime, head over to Jalopnik to see the second leaked photo and follow the jump to watch the teaser video filmed at the Ultimate Aero II's private Monterey unveiling.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading SSC Ultimate Aero II: Red, white and blue Bugatti killer

SSC Ultimate Aero II: Red, white and blue Bugatti killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shelby Supercars teases new 2011 Ultimate Aero

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Specialty, Design/Style

Shelby Supercars 2011 Ultimate Aero teaser - Click above to enlarge

Nobody is disputing that Shelby Supercar's Ultimate Aero is fast. In fact, it may very well be the fastest production car in the world, though Bugatti is sure to raise an eyebrow to that notion. In any case, no matter how aerodynamic it may be, the Ultimate Aero is also ultimately ugly. And we mean really unattractive in an I-drew-this-at-recess sort of way.

Hopefully, that ugly truth is soon to be jettisoned via some well-deserved Jason Castriota love. That's the news that's been floating around the interwebs over the last few months, and the resulting car was apparently shown to a small, private party over the course of the festivities in Monterey.

Now SSC is teasing its next supercar for a September debut. All we get to see for now is an up-close shot of what appears to possibly be part of the front fascia, though we can't really be sure. We wish we could tell you more, but at least we can all rest easy with the knowledge that it couldn't hardly be any worse, right? Here's hoping it's much, much better.

[Source: Shelby Supercars]

Shelby Supercars teases new 2011 Ultimate Aero originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Famed designer Jason Castriota to pen for Shelby Supercars

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Design/Style

Bertone Mantide - click above for high-res image gallery

While definitely one of (if not the) fastest production cars in the world, the SSC Ultimate Aero has seldom been praised for its looks. Somewhat resembling just about every other supercar out there in one detail or another, the styling has charitably been described as everything from derivative to kit car-ish. Shelby Supercars wants to do something about that. Now that they've proven they can get their car up to its claimed top speed of over 255 mph, the next step is to get a few more of them out the showroom doors. To that end, the company is said to be courting supercar designer Jason Castriota to pen a fresh look.

Jerod Shelby, the "Shelby" in "Shelby Supercars," has apparently tapped Castriota to design SSC's next generation hypercar. If Castriota's name sounds familiar, and even if it doesn't, he is the designer of record behind the Pininfarina P4/5, the Bertone Mantide (shown above) the neo Maserati Birdcage and the Rolls-Royce Hyperion. Having recently left his post at Bertone, Jason will become the exclusive designer for SSC's next two cars and will add a degree of credibility to the team, or at least that's the plan. According to the Tri-City Herald, the cars will actually be badged with his name to hammer home that point.

While the new Aeros will carry a price tag double the current cars' at $800,000 to $900,000, the company says it will also develop a "little brother version" that will retail for just $300,000. Production targets are a dozen or so Aeros and about 50 Aero-lites per annum. The cars might also show up in a reality TV series that is being pitched to chronicle the project.

Gallery: Monterey 2009: Bertone Mantide

[Source: Tri-City Herald]

Report: Famed designer Jason Castriota to pen for Shelby Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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