The SSC Ultimate Aero Is The Underrated American Supercar Everyone Forgot Existed – SlashGear

From the days before hybridization and electrification, the Ultimate Aero was powered by a Corvette-derived twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 1,199 horsepower, said Autocar after driving the car when new. The small-block V8’s power output had grown significantly during the development of the Ultimate Aero, from just 410 horsepower in 2004. The near-tripling of power came from the 5.7-liter capacity being bored out by 676cc, and the addition of two turbochargers. This resulted in an engine “resembling a controlled nuclear explosion” on startup, Autocar reported, adding: “The start-up extravaganza lasts a couple of seconds before the engine settles into a satisfying burble.”

In October 2008, SSC announced an upgraded 2009 version of the Ultimate Aero priced at $740,000. New features included a one-piece billet aluminum engine block, according to Supercars.net, improving structural integrity, oiling capabilities, and durability, and increasing power to a claimed 1,287 horsepower. With a weight of 1,249 kilograms (2,750 pounds), the updated car had a better than 1:1 power-to-weight ratio. SSC claimed the 2009 model had a top speed of 270 miles per hour and could accelerate to 60 miles per hour in around 2.8 seconds, and to 100 miles per hour in 9.9 seconds.