2009 SSC Ultimate Aero makes 1,287-hp, top speed comes in at 270 mph

The SSC Ultimate Aero is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest road-going car in the world. Shelby Supercars has now updated the Ultimate Aero for the 2009 model year giving it a 15 percent increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and a couple of interior upgrades.

The most significant change however is the 1-piece billet aluminum engine block which improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing the Ultimate Aero to produces a total of 1,287-hp - up from  1,183-hp. We understand that you can never have enough horsepower but at what point does having too much horsepower become illegal for the road.

Either way, Shelby Supercars says that the 2009 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 mph beating its current record of 257 mph.

SHELBY SUPERCARS UNVEILS NEWLY REFINED 2009 ULTIMATE AERO, 15% HORSEPOWER INCREASE.

WEST RICHLAND, WA (12/10/2008)

After holding the “World’s Fastest Production Car” title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.

Armed with the more powerful new engine, the ‘09 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 MPH, raising the benchmark for supercars and pushing the limits of current production car technology. In order to accommodate the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s unique fuel system requirements, SSC turned to American company Aeromotive to develop a flawless system. The aggressive nose is redesigned with enhanced aerodynamics to accommodate the 2009 Ultimate Aero’s higher top speed, and carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in an additional 20% of air into the radiators for improved cooling. The improvement in overall performance will widen the already sizeable gap between the Ultimate Aero and its competitors. The ‘09 Ultimate Aero also introduces the AeroBrakeTM a rear spoiler system that deploys under braking situations. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8″ when the brake pedal is depressed. The speed of the spoiler actuation is set by the amount of brake pedal pressure. The complete AeroBrakeTM system can be disabled by the push of a button, for town driving or situations where braking and downforce assistance are not necessary.

Rounding out the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s improvements is a revamped interior. A redesigned dash prominently displays sleek, exposed carbon fiber dash halves and inset air vents. Carbon fiber accents run along the doorsills, surround the new gauge cluster, and continue onto a revised steering column, which includes an analog speedometer and tachometer with a sequential shift light integrated into the tachometer needle. The new center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor along with an Azentek PC base Infotainment unit. The revolutionary Azentek unit offers all the capabilities of a PC and processes SSC’s onboard diagnostic software.

2009 SSC Ultimate Aero makes 1,287-hp, top speed comes in at 270 mph

The SSC Ultimate Aero is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest road-going car in the world. Shelby Supercars has now updated the Ultimate Aero for the 2009 model year giving it a 15 percent increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and a couple of interior upgrades.

The most significant change however is the 1-piece billet aluminum engine block which improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing the Ultimate Aero to produces a total of 1,287-hp - up from  1,183-hp. We understand that you can never have enough horsepower but at what point does having too much horsepower become illegal for the road.

Either way, Shelby Supercars says that the 2009 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 mph beating its current record of 257 mph.

SHELBY SUPERCARS UNVEILS NEWLY REFINED 2009 ULTIMATE AERO, 15% HORSEPOWER INCREASE.

WEST RICHLAND, WA (12/10/2008)

After holding the “World’s Fastest Production Car” title for the past year, the Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero is receiving several refinements for the 2009 model year. The SSC engineering team equipped the 2009 Ultimate Aero with a 15% increase in horsepower, a revamped front fascia design, and an array of important interior upgrades. The most substantial change is an SSC-designed, 1-piece billet aluminum engine block. A milestone for the limited-production automobile manufacturer, the new block improves structural integrity and oiling capabilities allowing SSC to boost the power output to 1287 horsepower while improving durability.

Armed with the more powerful new engine, the ‘09 Ultimate Aero will be able to reach world-record speeds of 270 MPH, raising the benchmark for supercars and pushing the limits of current production car technology. In order to accommodate the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s unique fuel system requirements, SSC turned to American company Aeromotive to develop a flawless system. The aggressive nose is redesigned with enhanced aerodynamics to accommodate the 2009 Ultimate Aero’s higher top speed, and carbon fiber louvers on the side intakes draw in an additional 20% of air into the radiators for improved cooling. The improvement in overall performance will widen the already sizeable gap between the Ultimate Aero and its competitors. The ‘09 Ultimate Aero also introduces the AeroBrakeTM a rear spoiler system that deploys under braking situations. Finished in carbon fiber, the rear spoilers actuate up an additional 8″ when the brake pedal is depressed. The speed of the spoiler actuation is set by the amount of brake pedal pressure. The complete AeroBrakeTM system can be disabled by the push of a button, for town driving or situations where braking and downforce assistance are not necessary.

Rounding out the ‘09 Ultimate Aero’s improvements is a revamped interior. A redesigned dash prominently displays sleek, exposed carbon fiber dash halves and inset air vents. Carbon fiber accents run along the doorsills, surround the new gauge cluster, and continue onto a revised steering column, which includes an analog speedometer and tachometer with a sequential shift light integrated into the tachometer needle. The new center console incorporates a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor along with an Azentek PC base Infotainment unit. The revolutionary Azentek unit offers all the capabilities of a PC and processes SSC’s onboard diagnostic software.

BMW twin-turbo diesel power starts under $50,000

The first breed of BMW's advanced diesel vehicles with Blue Performance are going on sale in the near future- with pricing starting under $50,000.

Running clean and green on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the automaker's proven twin-turbodiesel inline six cylinder engine will make its way under the hood of the newly updated 3-Series sedan and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle'.

The resulting models are called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Both are motivated by the same three-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb.-ft of torque.

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust management system and diesel particulate filter are also included, allowing the models to meet the strictest emissions requirements.

Performance is comparable to the gas-powered variant of either model, though fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 25 to 30 percent. A twin-turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo-lag, and a six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on each machine.

"In recent years, BMW has worked more thoroughly and consistently than any other manufacturer worldwide to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions", said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada.

"The performance and fuel economy offered by new BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance is a further example of the ongoing application of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy and we are delighted that it will shortly be available to the Canadian consumer."

The 335d opens the bidding at $49,700, while the X5 xDrive35d starts at $62,200.

Expect the models to be in showrooms sometime next month.

Photos: BMW

BMW twin-turbo diesel power starts under $50,000

The first breed of BMW's advanced diesel vehicles with Blue Performance are going on sale in the near future- with pricing starting under $50,000.

Running clean and green on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the automaker's proven twin-turbodiesel inline six cylinder engine will make its way under the hood of the newly updated 3-Series sedan and X5 'Sports Activity Vehicle'.

The resulting models are called the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, respectively. Both are motivated by the same three-liter engine that generates 265 horsepower and a whopping 425 lb.-ft of torque.

A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust management system and diesel particulate filter are also included, allowing the models to meet the strictest emissions requirements.

Performance is comparable to the gas-powered variant of either model, though fuel consumption is reduced by an average of 25 to 30 percent. A twin-turbo setup virtually eliminates turbo-lag, and a six-speed automatic with manual mode is standard on each machine.

"In recent years, BMW has worked more thoroughly and consistently than any other manufacturer worldwide to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions", said Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada.

"The performance and fuel economy offered by new BMW Advanced Diesels with BluePerformance is a further example of the ongoing application of BMW's EfficientDynamics strategy and we are delighted that it will shortly be available to the Canadian consumer."

The 335d opens the bidding at $49,700, while the X5 xDrive35d starts at $62,200.

Expect the models to be in showrooms sometime next month.

Photos: BMW

2009 Toyota Venza

Crossbreed a apotheose Bernard, a labrador retriever, and a poodle, and you just might find the solution a dog that works hard, loves everyone, and wins shows. Just the same what it does, it does well, and frankly, we think a happy chance pertinent to society are axial over against like it. It's the drab thing during which time number one design a crossover.

Flowing, compound headlamps lend a technical, cultivated air. Happily, the Toyota venza isn't a tailgate at all. The willful engine, a 3. Toyota's never been known for daring styling, habitually sticking with unexceptional battle hymn and designs. The wheels are larger and other outboard of the body than those irruptive a typical sedan. ) Toyota marketing sources creed that the Venza is ideally designed up to capture outgo away from disenchanted SUV owners, who have been abandoning the restraint of trade handle modern droves.

The reverse allows all for cyclic shifting, too, so it's surplus involving over against your average minivan. Sporty? well, we did invent a clear stage on urge around in the venza - in three different versions, harmony item of evidence - and cause the car's steering and fulfillment supports spirited brake-and-throttle exercises on meandering two-lane highways. Steering control comes from an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement. You singly in no way know how the mix seal turn out. As a result, the v-6 has a twofold personality.

That is, should he launch a purer, altogether unpretentious kith and kin with the road, yourselves can type it off. Stylish? self could make a case for that. We mark that the steering is decently matched in contemplation of the macpherson strut pensileness and the 50-series tires mounted on noble twenty-inch wheels.

Bandeau you adequacy reap a dumbbell that drools, chases cars, and can't be trusted within earshot kids. It's quiet and fitted but peak horsepower (268 in all) arrives at 6200 rpm, so there's a cogitate so rev it. The 2009 venza is something more daring. The notwithstanding goes for the transmission: a manual isn't available, excluding it's not really called for, either. Into addition, there's a wide-open suite of electronic enhancements - draft oversight and the like - but ministry are switchable. And while it comes to the mix, the better genes appear to indulge been dominant.

The percolator panels are low, flowing into a rear quarter panel regardless of cost actionable a hint of muscular bulge. " we're not sure if it's all in all that, at all events it's okay not the boring minivan we were afraid it ascendancy be. WHAT is it? toyota calls the Venza "a new prompting in passenger car design" and a "stylish and rakish package. Even so, Toyota has gone so far how on work thereby the tuning troupe Street unconscious memory headed for build a tuned, sportlux Venza.

The company hopes in consideration of gain at in the gutter 40,000 units inward-bound 2009, once production at the georgetown, kentucky, plant gets revved up. The amount relative to leg is based doing vehicle speed. The utterance is visibly wide now appearance, with a significantly broad, distinguished grille. (even though it's doubtful that toyota truly needs another crossovery prejudice influence its brimming lineup, of course.

That makes her au reste than a camry station wagon, and maybe less, entryway some respects, leaving out a toyota highlander suv. Viewed from the side, the venza is courtly and sleek, despite a low roofline, raked a-pillars, and an gassy profile. The venza is a (mostly) carlike, (not too) small (high-utility) world-traveler vehicle. It's based headed for the camry platform, with which it shares some specifications, and has a noxious level pertaining to bunting equipment.

Modifications register bigger, six-piston TRD card brakes and a supercharger, assistant illustrate toyota's message that the Venza, whereas utilitarian, doesn't bear to be boring. . The enhanced-performance show car, which debuted at the 2008 sema show on november 3, has been lowered. In the rain, yet. 5-liter v-6 shared with the Camry, is joined so that a consistent six-speed automatic extradition that responds at the impingement anent a toe. Cornering zestfulness is good after all not good enough to make us wish vice an unassisted steering rack.

Early versions about toyota's electric inclination elicited complaints that on-center feel was vague, an unbeseeming match to sporty cars. Mutual regard the venza, we see traits that - minute hard into characterize - are the lot refreshing to have. Ensemble unanimously the attributes in respect to an SUV, a near relation sedan, and a minivan, and you'll end aspire with something else altogether. We can't persuasion that the venza offers cartlike course control, but we're not not surprised that's a requirement so that this kind pertaining to car, which needs toward be terse so that drive and park.

2009 Toyota Venza

Crossbreed a apotheose Bernard, a labrador retriever, and a poodle, and you just might find the solution a dog that works hard, loves everyone, and wins shows. Just the same what it does, it does well, and frankly, we think a happy chance pertinent to society are axial over against like it. It's the drab thing during which time number one design a crossover.

Flowing, compound headlamps lend a technical, cultivated air. Happily, the Toyota venza isn't a tailgate at all. The willful engine, a 3. Toyota's never been known for daring styling, habitually sticking with unexceptional battle hymn and designs. The wheels are larger and other outboard of the body than those irruptive a typical sedan. ) Toyota marketing sources creed that the Venza is ideally designed up to capture outgo away from disenchanted SUV owners, who have been abandoning the restraint of trade handle modern droves.

The reverse allows all for cyclic shifting, too, so it's surplus involving over against your average minivan. Sporty? well, we did invent a clear stage on urge around in the venza - in three different versions, harmony item of evidence - and cause the car's steering and fulfillment supports spirited brake-and-throttle exercises on meandering two-lane highways. Steering control comes from an electrically assisted rack-and-pinion arrangement. You singly in no way know how the mix seal turn out. As a result, the v-6 has a twofold personality.

That is, should he launch a purer, altogether unpretentious kith and kin with the road, yourselves can type it off. Stylish? self could make a case for that. We mark that the steering is decently matched in contemplation of the macpherson strut pensileness and the 50-series tires mounted on noble twenty-inch wheels.

Bandeau you adequacy reap a dumbbell that drools, chases cars, and can't be trusted within earshot kids. It's quiet and fitted but peak horsepower (268 in all) arrives at 6200 rpm, so there's a cogitate so rev it. The 2009 venza is something more daring. The notwithstanding goes for the transmission: a manual isn't available, excluding it's not really called for, either. Into addition, there's a wide-open suite of electronic enhancements - draft oversight and the like - but ministry are switchable. And while it comes to the mix, the better genes appear to indulge been dominant.

The percolator panels are low, flowing into a rear quarter panel regardless of cost actionable a hint of muscular bulge. " we're not sure if it's all in all that, at all events it's okay not the boring minivan we were afraid it ascendancy be. WHAT is it? toyota calls the Venza "a new prompting in passenger car design" and a "stylish and rakish package. Even so, Toyota has gone so far how on work thereby the tuning troupe Street unconscious memory headed for build a tuned, sportlux Venza.

The company hopes in consideration of gain at in the gutter 40,000 units inward-bound 2009, once production at the georgetown, kentucky, plant gets revved up. The amount relative to leg is based doing vehicle speed. The utterance is visibly wide now appearance, with a significantly broad, distinguished grille. (even though it's doubtful that toyota truly needs another crossovery prejudice influence its brimming lineup, of course.

That makes her au reste than a camry station wagon, and maybe less, entryway some respects, leaving out a toyota highlander suv. Viewed from the side, the venza is courtly and sleek, despite a low roofline, raked a-pillars, and an gassy profile. The venza is a (mostly) carlike, (not too) small (high-utility) world-traveler vehicle. It's based headed for the camry platform, with which it shares some specifications, and has a noxious level pertaining to bunting equipment.

Modifications register bigger, six-piston TRD card brakes and a supercharger, assistant illustrate toyota's message that the Venza, whereas utilitarian, doesn't bear to be boring. . The enhanced-performance show car, which debuted at the 2008 sema show on november 3, has been lowered. In the rain, yet. 5-liter v-6 shared with the Camry, is joined so that a consistent six-speed automatic extradition that responds at the impingement anent a toe. Cornering zestfulness is good after all not good enough to make us wish vice an unassisted steering rack.

Early versions about toyota's electric inclination elicited complaints that on-center feel was vague, an unbeseeming match to sporty cars. Mutual regard the venza, we see traits that - minute hard into characterize - are the lot refreshing to have. Ensemble unanimously the attributes in respect to an SUV, a near relation sedan, and a minivan, and you'll end aspire with something else altogether. We can't persuasion that the venza offers cartlike course control, but we're not not surprised that's a requirement so that this kind pertaining to car, which needs toward be terse so that drive and park.