New supercar explodes on the scene

SSC Aero: 787bhp and 0-60 in 2.94s

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 6 December 2005 / Loading comments

^{Pictures: SSC Autos}

A new US supercar is about to explode onto the scene.

Offering 787bhp and 736lb-ft of torque at 5,800 rpm, the 1,300Kg SSC Aero is said to top 230mph, hitting 60mph from rest in a mere 2.94 seconds in the process. This comes from a mid-mounted, aluminium-block and head 6.3-litre supercharged V8 with dual forced-air intercoolers. The lump was sourced from a Corvette C5R.

Braking is supplied by 356mm discs gripped by six-pot callipers inside forged three-piece alloy wheels, 245/45/18 front, 345/30/19 rear. Suspension at the front is unequal length upper and lower wishbones with coil-over springs/adjustable tube dampers, and unequal length upper rocker and lower wishbones with horizontally opposed adjustable coil-over springs and adjustable tube dampers at the rear. The body is built from carbon fibre over a steel spaceframe chassis.

It's no stripped-out single-seater either, as electric windows, locks, aircon, a ten-speaker audio system, and a7.5-inch DVD screen are all standard.

And if that's not enough, there's a hotter version on the way, the Ultimate Aero, with 821lb-ft of torque and 1046bhp.

The car has completed trials, was displayed at the Las Vegas SEMA show, and is now in the loving hands of the US motoring press. It's likely to be priced around $239,000 (about £138,000), which offers a lot of car for your money. The company said it's ready to take orders.

Florida-based SSC stands for Shelby Super Cars -- there's also no news as to whether we're going to see it here but we'd like to...

Correction: The correct price for the Aero is $544,500 (£314,300) -- not quite such a bargain...