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.

 

Am I the only one not caring much about a gazillion hp kit car? Every time we hear about them they just made a more powerful version ...

 

how did it take Bugatti (VW brainchild) 7 years to develop a safe/sustainable 250+mph car, and SCC can do it in months?

 

Im not a big fan of it looks, and I'll wait till their claim becomes more than just a claim. Weren't they also building 200mph sedan...

 

Because SCC is a lot less worried about getting sued if something goes wrong...

 

video of it in action?

 

This actually looks a little better than the old version, but it still has nowhere near the presence of the Veyron, Koenigsegg or Saleen.

 

Looking forward to seeing some videos

 

Gotta make sure to let the glue dry before you take it up to 270 though. And, it's ugly.

 

Their design ethos was entirely different. They wanted to build a car that could do 250, with any moron in the driver's seat. As a result it's very heavy, and the technology required to keep said morons from killing themselves took a good long while and a lot of R&D to develop.

SSC's design is more along the lines of Lotus-- simplify, add lightness, and a really big horkin' engine. Hence, put an idiot in one, and the world will soon have one less idiot.

I know which I'd rather have.