Typically, when we think of the fastest cars in the world, iconic names like the McLaren F1 and the Bugatti Chiron come to mind. Both nameplates rightfully earned their places in automotive history for being among the fastest cars in the world during their time, and they're both very easily remembered, even by those who may take only a passive interest in cars. Plus, both models boast striking, easy-to-remember model names.Bugatti Unlike the name of another supercar that was one of the fastest cars ever built. It's called the SSC Ultimate Aero TT... quite a mouthful. While its name is a long one, its 0–60 mph and quarter-mile times were short. It was also responsible for putting up a top speed record of 255 mph in 2007, earning it the title of "fastest production car in the world" according to the Guinness Book of World Records until the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport beat it just a few years later. The Ultimate Aero TT Quietly Entered The Market SSC Quick Facts About The SSC Ultimate Aero TT Produced between 2007 and 2009 Only 24 examples were built Boasted a verified top speed of 255 mph Recognized as the world's fastest production car from 2007 to 2010 SSC, formerly known as Shelby SuperCars, was founded in 1999. Contrary to popular belief, SSC is not related to Carroll Shelby in any way. SSC's first car, the Ultimate Aero, came about five years after the company's founding and quickly began making a small name for itself. After an extensive testing period, the then-prototypical Ultimate Aero formally entered production at the end of 2004.The original prototype, coined the SSC Aero SC/8T Number 1, utilized a supercharged 6.2-liter LS-based V8. SSC claims this first Aero model could manage a top speed of 249 mph, although this was never verified. Coming after the SC/8T Number 1 was the SSC Ultimate Aero SC/8T Number 2, debuting in 2005 with a 6.3-liter, supercharged engine straight out of the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R race car.However, SSC's fame was cemented with the introduction of the Ultimate Aero TT in 2007. Instead of using a supercharged mill, the Aero TT utilized a twin-turbocharged, General Motors-derived engine. Theoretically, the Ultimate Aero TT could reach a top speed of roughly 273 mph, although the real-world number would end up being 18 mph less than that. The Aero TT was produced for just under 18 months, and the first example sold new on eBay for $431,100 to an unnamed buyer. A Twin-Turbocharged Record-Beater Mecum At the heart of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's immense speed capability is its LS-based engine. What SSC did was take a normal LS6 V8, bore it out to 6.3 liters, and strap a couple of turbochargers onto it. Instead of using third-party turbos, SSC developed their own, unique turbos specifically for the Aero TT in-house. Following the 2008 model year, SSC began to produce their own version of the LS6 specifically for use in the Ultimate Aero TT. To actually allow the Ultimate Aero TT to reach its high top speed, its six-speed manual transmission was adjusted in order to allow for a theoretical top speed of around 273 mph.We'll take a look at the record-breaking iteration of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT's detailed engine and performance specs below: Features As for the Ultimate Aero TT's features, it wasn't just a bare-bones job with a giant engine; it actually had a fair amount of creature comforts nestled inside. For one, it had air conditioning as standard. It also boasted a 10-speaker audio system. Ultimate models enjoyed the use of built-in navigation along with a DVD screen. A trunk with enough space for a weekly shop was present, too. It even had a backup camera, a rather rare sight back in 2007. Where the Ultimate Aero TT Ended Up Wikipedia The record-breaking Ultimate Aero TT was only produced for two years. A long period separated it from its successor, the Ultimate Aero XT, which was introduced in 2013. Despite only being produced 24 times, the SSC Aero model lived on for several years, from its first operation in 2004, while the Ultimate Aero XT was discontinued following the 2015 model year.The Aero's discontinuation wasn't spurred on by a failing company, poor sales, or a lack of profit. Rather, it had served its purpose in the eyes of SSC and Shelby himself. It had completed what it set out to do, which was to be the fastest production car in the world. It also succeeded in giving both McLaren and Bugatti a bloody nose, quite a feat for a small, niche car company based in the States. The Aero's Successor SSCAfter the Ultimate Aero XT was retired, the Aero name was entirely abandoned. Instead, SSC began to focus on its next supercar: the Tuatara. The Tuatara was meant to pick up where the Ultimate Aero TT left off: as the fastest production car in the world. Once roughly five years of design and development were completed, the Tuatara was ready for sale in 2020, and immediately began chasing "the fastest car in the world" title once again.There were a few different record-breaking attempts. The first was undertaken at the end of 2020, with the Tuatara reportedly reaching a one-way top speed of 331.15 mph, and a two-way average of 316.11 mph. However, this claim was disputed by Jerod Shelby himself. He released a statement a few months later saying the initial top-speed run did not, in fact, even reach over the 300 mph threshold.SSC In January 2021, another record-breaking attempt was launched. The car was driven by a dentist named Larry Caplin, who was able to get the Tuatara up to 279 mph on a one-way run, and 286 mph on his journey back. Then, in 2022, the official, recognized record was undertaken. The same Tuatara was driven up to 295 mph over the span of 2.3 miles at a locale in Florida called the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility. The speed was verified four times, and deemed legitimate, making it the fastest series-production car ever made.Sources: SSC
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