Sheer power is still the goal at Shelby Supercars, and the latest version of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT gets 1,287 bhp. This is one more extraordinary exotic car.
With an output of 1,287 bhp at 6,750 rpm, the new engine produces 104 bhp more than the old 6.3 liter V-8, which had an output of 1,183 bhp. The 0-60 mph time is also improved, towards 2.5 seconds, while the top speed is claimed to be 270 mph.
Also pretty astonishing is that the maximum torque from this twin-turbo mill is no less than 1,112 lb ft (1,507 Nm) @ 6,150 rpm - this is enough to pull a big truck along!
Cylinder block machined from a solid billet
Whereas the original car was powered by a modified GM V-8, SSC has taken a leaf out of Koenigsegg's book in designing their own cylinder block based on a stock engine.
In this case, though, SSC has gone further in ensuring that the block is strong. Instead of being limited by the alloys available for casting, it has had a block produced from a solid billet of aluminum!
The advantage of this approach is that the alloys available in billet form are inherently stronger than you can get in cast alloys. Also, aluminum castings are always weakened by porosity - tiny air holes in the casting. Overall, therefore, the cylinder block will be a good deal stronger than a cast block.
In addition, there is room for the larger oilways needed to keep an engine developing this much power cool and lubricated. On the other hand, as it is not practical to machine a solid billet to the intricate shapes you get with castings, the block is a bit heavier. But when you have 1,287 bhp under your foot, who cares?
Owing to the higher top speed - claimed to be 270 mph - SSC has also made some improvements to the aerodynamics, with a revised front end, and bigger spoilers. Also, the rear spoilers can act as an air brake - as on the Bugatti Veyron. The spoilers are raised by 8 inches (200 mm) to give extra braking effect at speed.
To get more air into the rear-mounted radiators, the air intakes are enlarged, and there are carbon fiber louvers. The amount of air going to the radiators is increased by 20 per cent.
Improved interior
In addition, the interior has been improved - this was definitely needed - with new instruments, center console and information/entertainment display.
The suspension and other details are similar to those of the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.
Thanks to the new block, the engine, which drives through the same six-speed manual transaxle as before, will be more reliable than the old one, but whether there is any point in the extra power is a moot point, although the acceleration will clearly be absolutely staggering.
