Speed Attempt
SSC tested the top speed capability of the Ultimate Aero TT on March 22, 2007. The original test was scheduled for March 21 2007 but was called off due to bad weather conditions. SSC closed down a 12-mile (19 km) stretch of U.S. Route 93 in Nevada for the event. Their goal was to replace the Bugatti Veyron as the fastest production car ever produced, which at the time could achieve 253.7 mph (408.3 km/h). Simulation and testing at NASA's Virginia facility had shown that the Ultimate Aero TT is theoretically capable of approximately 273 mph (439 km/h). The March 22nd attempt failed to break the record, due to sub-optimal conditions. Test driver Rick Doria reported "wheel-spin" at speeds above 190 mph (310 km/h).
SSC announced they had broken the speed record for the world's fastest production car with 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h) in West Richland, WA on September 13, 2007. The reported record speed came from an average of two runs in opposite directions, in accordance with FIA Speed Records rules. The first run clocked 257.44 mph (414.31 km/h) and the return trip 254.91 mph (410.24 km/h). The results of this test, verified by Guinness World Records on October 9 2007, gave the SSC Ultimate Aero the title of world's fastest production car, with a top speed of 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h). This beat the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron, that had a top speed of 253.81 mph (408.47 km/h).
In addition to the fastest production car record, SSC also applied for the world record for the highest power for an emissions-legal production automobile.
The record-breaking 2007 Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero Chassis #TT-02 was later put into auction by Shelby SuperCars, which also included SSC World Record commemorative watch, key fob, original record-breaking wheels and tires, framed official Guinness World Records certificate with commemorative photo signed by Shelby SuperCars team.
The car's record was broken on July 4, 2010 by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which reached a certified top speed of 267.86 mph (431.072 km/h).
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Famous quotes containing the words speed and/or attempt:
“If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honor in one eye, and death i’th’ other,
And I will look on both indifferently;
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“There exists no politician in India daring enough to attempt to explain to the masses that cows can be eaten.”
—Indira Gandhi (1917–1984)