North American supercar manufacturer, SSC has announced that production of its long-running Ultimate Aero is coming to an end. The Ultimate Aero at one point was the fastest production car on the planet, entering the Guinness Book of World Records back in 2007 after posting a top speed of 410 kph. The car eventually lost that title to the 431 kph Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, though it had held the crown for almost three years.
The car is now being discontinued to make room for the company’s next model, the Tuatara. But before its completely done, SSC has planned to give it a special-edition send off with the Ultimate Aero XT. SSC will be building only five of these specimens and once they are sold, the Ultimate Aero’s production will cease. The company says the XT’s aggressive paint scheme will never be used again on any Ultimate Aero or Tuatara vehicles, ensuring the special five always stand out from the crowd.
Power for the SSC Ultimate Aero XT comes from a 6.9-liter twin-turbo V8 making 1,300-hp and 1,004 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 100 kph comes in just 2.65 seconds with a top speed of 440 kph. The Ultimate Aero XT swaps the standard car’s six-speed manual transmission for the Tuatara’s seven-speed paddle shift gearbox, and also adopts the new model’s cooling, fuel and braking systems.
The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seater features a carbonfibre/aluminium body and frame and forged one-piece alloy wheels, along with a number of comfort and convenience features including air conditioning, front air lift, and a 7.5-inch premium audio system with DVD player, satellite navigation and a rear-view camera.
Production of the SSC Ultimate Aero will conclude forever once the final five XTs leave the factory, allowing SSC to focus solely on the Tuatara, which has its sights set on overtaking the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to become the fastest production car in the world.
Also see – World’s top 10 fastest cars in the 2011-2012 list
See more pictures of SSC Ultimate Aero XT Special Edition –
