These exclusive first photos show the SSC Ultimate Aero II, the second generation of America's fastest supercar. It's gotta new look and a new mission: reclaim the title of world's fastest production car from the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. UPDATE
There once was a time where the American-built SSC Ultimate Aero TT was the world's fastest production car, hitting 256 mph with its 1,183-hp 6.2-liter V8. In fact, it was just a few weeks ago. But then ze Germans stepped in to steal the record with their fancy Veyron Super Sport and its 268 mph top speed. As soon as it happened the folks at Shelby SuperCars suddenly started talking about their plans for an even more ultimate Aero.
According to a tipster, these are the first two photos of the new SSC Ultimate Aero II. Its a major leap forward compared to the purposeful-yet-derivative styling of the original, taking the angular look now Saab designer Jason Castriota used on the Stile Bertone Mantide and combining it with the wind tunnel-formed sexy-slipperiness of the Ferrari P4/5 for a look familiar to übercar enthusiasts yet a stand-out from both previous looks.
There's also now video of the car being unveiled for a select few individuals during the Pebble Beach Concours that was just posted to YouTube. In it, you can see the silver Saab Castiota drove around in during the festivities. The video also shows company founder Jarrod Shelby saying they'll have full-scale running prototypes mid-year 2011. He also goes on to promise the design "will not get watered down." Unfortunately, the video doesn't show the car. Fortunately, we've got pictures of it.
No word yet on exactly what's planned for the inside of this land-based jet fighter, but these photos of the first full-sized mock up are apparently from a shoot for a big European car mag and thus we'll hear more when they either release the magazine or freak out and publish everything early online from none other than Top Gear the magazine. Being the carefree chaps they are, they're happy to let us share them with you but would like us to remind you the exclusive full photo shoot of the car and details on info on just how it'll best the Bugatti Veyron will be available when the next issue hits newsstands September 8th.
Until then, enjoy the photos.