SSC Ultimate Aero to be launched in India: Reports

We came across this interesting news item in the Economic Times today. One of the world’s fastest cars, the SSC Ultimate Aero, is planned for an India launch.

Photo: SSC Ultimate Aero coming to India

The car is, in theory, the world’s fastest car. What is it going to do in India?

Anyway. They call the SSC Ultimate Aero because the 2009 model of the car can reach a top speed of 287 mph, or 462 kmph. The Economic Times story said that it can travel as fast as a jetliner. Yes, it is true.

The article did not identify the source. It just said that the writer was in touch with the person who is working on importing the car to India as a CBU (completely built unit.)

SC Ultimate Aero for India soon

The Ultimate Aero is no cheap runabout, obviously. It costs the equivalent of around Rs 3 crores in the United States. As an imported SBU, the car would easily cost around Rs 6 crores in India. Just like the Maybach or the Bentleys, I am sure there will be a market for this supercar too in India.

Let us not ask the obvious question – where are you going to drive this car? Nobody buys a supercar in India to drive at the speeds at which they are capable of being driven around. People buy them because 1) they definitely have the money 2) or they like to let people kow that they have a supercar in their garage 3) they have a real fancy for supercars and want to own one even though they know they will never be able to use even ten percent of the car’s potential.. But the fact is for anything super-expensive, their is a market.

The Shelby Ultimate Aero TT is powered by a twin-turbo equipped 7000 cc V8 engine producing 1287 bhp at 6075 rpm. 0-60 miles per hour timing is an astounding 2.7 seconds, and the transmission is a 6-speed manual.

Another picture of the Ultimate Aero

SSC Ultimate Aero TT specifications

Displacement:      387.2 cu.in.
Bore x Stroke:     4.125 x 3.620″
Compression Ratio:     8.975:1
Horsepower:     1287 bhp @ 6075 rpm
Torque:     1112 ft-lbs @ 6150 rpm
Redline:     7200 rpm
Fuel Injection:     Electronic Sequential Port
Weight:     422 lbs.
Oil:     SAE 5W/30 Fully Synthetic Racing
Induction System:     Sequential, multi-port fuel injection, Twin Turbo Chargers. Dual-Water to Air Intercoolers.
Fuel:     Premium Unleaded – 91 Pump Octane

The Ultimate Aero would be initially launched in Mumbai, and then Delhi.

There are practical problems with a supercar in India too. Their ride so low that they would scrape the smallest speed bump, and they have hard suspensions which rival the ride of a bullock cart. At toll booths on our expressways, the driver would have to get out of the car to pay the toll as he may not be able to reach the booth window! Not that any of those are going to stop the few rich owners who are already salivating at the thought of this car in their garage!