Teamspeed Interview with JEROD SHELBY

Most car enthusiasts have heard of SSC. They built the Ultimate Aero, a car that broke the record for the Worlds Fastest Production Car. In 2007 it bested Bugatti's unofficial 253mph record and Koenigsegg's official 242mph by going 257mph. (This was beaten almost 2 years later by the Veyron Super Sport)

For most people this is where their knowledge of the car brand ends. This is an interview conducted in the Teamspeed.com forums. Teamspeed is "the worlds premier luxury forums." Many member their own the rarest, fastest, and most expensive exotics; cars, boats, motorcycles, etc. They often get access to events most others don't, get exclusive unveilings, and have started having exclusive interviews.

This interview is conducted with Jerod Shelby, the founder and owner of SSC. Members were given the chance to ask questions regarding Jerod Shelby, his past, and the history of SSC. SSC preferred the questions to be about that and not about the new car being developed, much of it is still top secret. Some questions are not directly answered by Mr. Shelby. Some that pertain to the car are answered by Junus Khan, SSC's Marketing Director.

When did you decide that you wanted to build not only a supercar, but the fastest supercar?

I made that decision in late 1998 when I made the decision to follow my dream. - Shelby

What is the developmental timeline leading up to its eventual release of the next generation Ultimate Aero?

We're planning on delivering our first new generation supercars the beginning of 2013. - Junus

What tires are you going to use? What speed are they rated for?

At the time we're keeping the official top speed specifications under wraps but we're working with Michelin. - Junus

I'm assuming you guys would be using their newest Super Sport tires or are they making a special set for you guys like they've historically done for others in the past?

A derivative of the tire, we used the Super Sport during our photoshoot with Top Gear but of course our top speed capabilities warrant another level of consideration. - Junus

I am a huge fan and have followed the progress from the first Ultimate Aero. My question is one of design, how did you link up with Jason Castriota who did such an incredible jon on the new car, and did you know right away you wanted to work with him or did you look at any other famous automotive designers?

Thanks! The support from the automotive community has been great. We knew that the first focus for the new project was to come up with a unique and appealing design. In late 2009 we decided to attach a well known designer and one that was American to the project. We looked at several design houses and decided on Jason. I am very happy with what we have come up with during this design relationship. - Shelby

Jerod Shelby(left) and Jason Castriota at the "Next Generation" unveiling

Is the current Ultimate Aero still in production or has it been halted to focus on the new model?

The production of the current Ultimate Aero is completed and the complete focus of the company is on the new project. - Shelby

Hi guys, I was wondering what the feeling at SSC was when Bugatti took back the top speed crown. Was there ever a thought of going back out and attempting to win it back? With the improved aero and increased output of the 2009-up cars, would it have been feasible to top 267, given an appropriate site?

It was actually exciting for us! Since we had already completed the design for the new generation, Bugatti breaking the record brought attention back to supercars in a big way. When we came out with our response and the new generation the media dubbed the new generation the answer to the Veyron Super Sport although we had been working on the next generation for some time. 

Given the right site our power to weight and aerodynamics it would be possible. But as Silversurfer pointed out, the right site (legally), isn't an easy place to find. - Junus

Thanks...your story seems pretty amazing.
How do you recommend others go about following their dream? What were some of the major hurdles you had to overcome?

You have to be realistic about your dreams, but I am a huge believer in following paths that you are very passionate about. The major hurdles are too many to mention. Most people don't have any idea how huge the magnitude of the development phase is when you are creating from the ground up an assembly where every component has to perform at an extreme level to achieve the specifications that I tied to the original project. - Shelby

You guys dont forget to make sure fat people can fit in it. Hey guys it's Anthony!(Anthony is the rapper known as Sir Mix-a-Lot. If you haven't seen his new video for the song Carz, check it out below. It features the Ultimate Aero)

Hey Anthony! We have definitely made accommodations with this new design to fit you comfortably in the car! - Shelby

Sir Mix-a-Lot in the Ultimate Aero at the set of his music video for "Carz"

Ultimate Aero on the set for "Carz"

How many Ultimate Aeros were produced I do say I'm quite curious to know.

There were 15 total produced. We delivered #15 last month. - Junus

Ultimate Aero #15

One of the big claims to fame for your outgoing model is that it was the Vmax record holder. From the sounds of it, I get the impression that you guys believe you will win that back from the new Bugatti. Do you guys foresee a point when achieving a higher and higher Vmax is no longer feasible, or where you get to a point and for the next car that r&d funding can go to another aspect of the car?

We are very confident in our capabilities when it comes to top speed. And yes, we will definitely be prepared to up the antes when it comes to top speed. We feel that although this top speed record does not represent practical speeds for most customers, it is still a very important record for us since it is the most extreme test for all the assemblies of any vehicle. Since the impressive ride quality and handling were so over shadowed by our top speed record with the Ultimate Aero, we have decided to make sure and show case those characteristics early in the release of the new car. - Shelby

Hey Jerod,
Is there a possibility a member of the public can get a tour sometime of the shop? I'm currently in Redmond but have been unable to get a response with previous emails.

Regarding the UAII: What do you think most easily separates the new Aero from the current Veyron SS. In the past it has been seen as much more visceral opponent to the Veyron. Though it was lighter it didn't exude hyper-luxury as the Bugatti did. Do you think this divide remains with the new car, or has something new emerged?

I hope you don't mind that I field this question. I'll take responsibility for no response to your email. We receive a massive amount of emails regarding tours. At this time we don't conduct tours but with our new facility that we're actually designing certain aspects of the facility around being able to provide tours. 

There is a big difference between the UA/UAII and Veyron. In fact, the Veyron and UA only share one common feature, max velocity. The Veyron is an amazing machine but both cars are fundamentally different in philosophy. The cars SSC produces focus on the visceral experience and we only incorporate technology that adds to that experience. For example we have the world's first one piece carbon fiber wheels because it lowers unsprung weights, helps acceleration, handling, braking, but doesn't take away from driver feedback. - Junus

Hi SSC, thanks for spending time with the TS community. Describe what attracts clients to your products? Do they seek individuality and exclusivity? Do they, or have they previously purchased a super car? Do you have clients outside the US?

There are only a few options for customers in our niche market. We find that most customers want something unique whether they have a collection or not and they want to make sure that it is a quality product for the specific purpose that it was designed and marketed for. - Shelby

There are only a few options for customers in our niche market. We find that most customers want something unique whether they have a collection or not and they want to make sure that it is a quality product for the specific purpose that it was designed and marketed for. - Junus

Jerod, Many people don't know that you broke the original Bugatti record on a public road (with a dog leg in it). How bout a slight hint to Volkswagen to allow you to come out of the turn at 150mph and go at the 5mile straight on their track? Hmmm..... I'm just sayin.

We might have to do that... - Junus

I keep hearing the term bullet-proof whenever someone mentions the SSC, what would you attribute that to? Design process, build quality, simple quality and control?

The answer is a little bit of all of those and then the most important step for us is our real-world testing. Miles and miles and miles. In all kinds of environments, from snow in Nevada to 115 degree desert driving in Dubai. That's what makes an assembly bullet proof. - Shelby

You could always try bonneville.

For it to be a credible record it has to be achieved on public (pavement) roads on the street legal tires that the car is sold with. So Bonneville is not an option. - Shelby

I've long suspected that the Ultimate Aeros in the following pictures are in fact two different cars. The reason I think that the second car pictured is not the first one with the 2009 updates, is that there are differences in the dash alcantara covering. The first car is known as #005, a 2007 car, as pictured on your website. Can you confirm that these are two different cars, and if possible what is the chassis number and year of the second one?

These are in fact two different cars. The first one was brought to the 2007 Dubai Motor Show and was purchased there. The second one was purchased by a Middle Eastern client and displayed at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Motor Show. Those two are the only white/black UAs that were produced. - Junus

I keep hearing the term bullet-proof whenever someone mentions the SSC, what would you attribute that to? Design process, build quality, simple quality and control?

I can answer this. After driving the car for four straight 10 hour days through many varying conditions, it performed phenomenally. Not many supercars will give you that kind of road trip experience. The builds got progressively better as they built more of them. Those of us who got to see car #13, #14, and #15 could easily track the improvements in build quality. - Answered by silversurfer, owner of Ultimate Aero #15 and previously #14.

Ultimate Aero #14

Ultimate Aero #14 wrapped for the Gold Rush Rally

Any plans to get involved in any form of racing?

At this time we do not plan on a factory sponsored race team. But we have made sure that the new design falls within the FIA racing specifications in case we have a customer that wants to privateer a team. We would definitely support any customer efforts in this direction. - Shelby

In terms of safety requirements, is the company able to "represent" a crash test through software or do you physically have to crash the car itself?

There are varying standards but the two most strict and which other countries adopt are FMVSS (US) and EURO 4 soon to be EURO 5. For instance for the new generation we will end up crashing a minimum of 2 cars. - Junus

I have heard claims in the past that the old UA doesn't have traction control or power steering. Is this true?

That is partially true. Since the goal of the UA was to be a drivers car, Jerod didn't want to incorporate traction control, etc. But low speed turning (parking, etc) was a bit strenuous so we incorporated a power steering system that best maintained the driving feel. - Junus

What other cars do you own personally?

I own the Ultimate Aero that held the world record for almost 3 years and my daily driver is a Denali. - Shelby

I have to ask this.... I realize the driver who broke the record in UA1 has passed on (R.I.P.) but have you given any thought to who the driver might be when you go for the Bug SS record?

At this time we have a few thoughts but nothing concrete! - Junus

Jerod and Junus one quick question I had....
Being a bit old school fan of the manual transmission (even though I completely appreciate and understand the need for modern f1 shifting technology), have you guys chosen a transmission setup for the new generation cars yet?

What Jerod said about the car before, it will retain the manual transmission, but a paddle shift version will be optional. Manual is better if you are driving for fun, paddle is better if you are racing for time. - Answered by a forum member

We are a bit old school as well on that topic. Since are main design focus is on the drivers experience, we are still offering our manual transmission as standard on the new project as well as a paddle shift option for those that so choose. - Shelby

There is a rumor that you originally built Lamborghini kit cars before starting SSC. Is that true?

Yes! Back in the mid 90's some friends and I built a few replicas as a challenge to see how high we could take the all round performance of them. It quickly transformed into a burning desire for me to design something from the ground up that was not built around a pre set platform. - Shelby

Right now it has come down to Bugatti vs Koenigsegg vs SSC. Competition to me, has always fostered growth as we see one trying to outdo the other. The mere fact that SSC has managed to get a company like Bugatti to not only notice but respond was impressive in itself. Do you envision this trend continuing for the near foreseenable future as a result? What are your thoughts on Bugatti and Koenigsegg?

Very good point! Sorry we missed this one!
Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Pagani, definitely all provoke innovation through competition. I think that the trend will continue and that each of us has similarities and definable differences. We have the utmost respect for the said manufacturers and are actually close with some! - Junus  

Also, regarding the 300 mph barrier, no comment - Junus 

How do you log all of the required miles of testing? Do you just build what is basically a production version of the car and go at it or do you use mules to test various components in secrecy?

The answer is yes. We build full scale models that pretty much exactly match the production versions and then write testing protocols for different assembly tests. Then hit the road in the climate or location that best suites the test and drive until failure and then concentrate on that weak link until we resolve the issue and then move on. Life testing... - Shelby

What is the highest mileage UA that you know of?

The highest mileage UA we know of has a bit over 11,000 miles, it's from 2008. - Junus

List of excuses when the UAII comes out:

1. so what.... how fast is it in reverse
2. Yeah but where is the spare tire
3. That's impressive but can you do it on a perfect test track with a 5 mile straight?
4. Yeah but can you speak German
5. wait do it again I wasn't ready that time
      - Sir Mix-a-Lot

You are right on the money with your excuses Anthony! We have already heard some similar responses from them with the media release of our new generation. I love it! I view it as a big compliment. - Shelby

Question for SSC, how close to these specs do you guys think you will get that I read on autoblog?
"For starters, this new Ultimate Aero is powered by a 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that can scream up to a 9,000 rpm redline. Power? 1,350 horses, every last drop of which will be needed to hit the targeted top speed of 275 mph"

It will be right on the money or exceed those specifications. One reason we have endured and will flourish in the coming years is that we test behind closed doors before we make any public announcements. That way we can be very confident of our claims. - Shelby

Will your guys' efforts always be directed towards record setting and low production numbers?

We will maintain a limited production car manufacturer. Although we are known for the world record we set in 2007 it is one element that we focus on. Since supercars are/supposed to be the top performers and since SSC is focused on performance we inherently are pushing the barrier for performance - speed, handling, etc... - Junus

I always felt that the Ultimate Aero didn't get the recognition it deserved. The very, very few tests that were conducted(non-performance) the drivers said it was comfy and very good. But like you said it got overshadowed by the top speed record so most people thought it wasn't comfy or a good handler.
So my question is: Why didn't you have more magazines test the production car to clear up any of the doubts?
And why didn't you let any magazines do performance tests that give us solid data like 1/4 mile, standing mile, track times, and handling?
I hope you plan on more tests for the new car.

I fully agree with your assessment. To tell you the truth, we didn't realize this fully until we had the journalist from Top Gear in our car this past year and he said that you guys have to get the word out about how amazing the cornering grip, predictability is in a slide, and he just couldn't stop talking about how the ride quality was more comfortable and quiet than the Bugatti Veyron. He said that you would never know this until you either get behind the wheel or get some additional journalist behind the wheel for a personal experience. Our marketing plan with the new project is to do just that prior to any overshadowing by an imminent top speed record. - Shelby

Still haven't warmed to those Batwings on the rear though.

If Jerod explains what they're back there for and how they function, you'll warm right up. - Forum Member

Great question. Unlike other car designs where there is a concept that needs to be forced into function with aftermarket looking wings etc, Jason and SSC was able to come up with a design that was organic and functional. The wings offer high speed stability and there is a variable spoiler/airbrake that closes the space between the spoilers and acts like a parachute. - Junus

Can you explain why the exhaust exits were placed where they are, and how that was designed to maximize performance?

Because hot air is less dense, the lower exhaust allows the air to speed up as it transitions out the rear diffuser. - Junus

A useless question but something I noticed with the side-view mirrors on the door. The early production Mclaren F1's, and c12's had similar designs but in later development changed to positioning them on the fender; is this something that you may consider as well?

We have not completed the full scale wind tunnel testing yet, but we feel that it is definitely advantageous to keep them on the pillars to not disturb the air passing over the front fender areas. We feel confident that the new generation also has much better rear visibility because of the all glass cab area and the position of the side rear view mirrors.

Has a name been picked for the car yet?

Yes, it has an official name. We are just waiting for the right time to make that announcement. I am getting tired of people calling it the Ultimate Aero II or the fact that we are being forced to refer to it as the New Generation. But it just hasn't been the right time yet... - Shelby

Do you guys offer military discount?

We wouldn't be an American company without a military discount! We just haven't determined what it'll be yet. - Junus

Will the flappy paddle gearbox be a 7 or 6 speed?

We are testing and entertaining both right now. Our design challenge differs from most of our competitors because of the extreme requirement to handle 1100+ torque. We have to make sure the tranny will endure no matter what the drivers capabilities are. - Shelby

Do you think the work you have done at AIT played a role in any aspect with these cars?

Definitely! The design, development, and regulatory process was amazingly similar. The required attention to detail during the ramp up to production was also quite similar and was perfect experience to prepare me for what was soon to come. - Shelby

I came across a news article on line about SSC getting a loan for the new factory. It mentioned you are planning a $300,000 car also. I suppose a Ferrari 458/McLaren MP4-12C competitor. What can you tell us about this? When will we see it?

Yes, we received a loan for the land and infrastructure for the new facility! The mention of the $300,000 car is a project we have planned but cannot provide details at this point in time. - Junus

As we all know, Bugatti produces the Veyron at a financial loss. Porsche did the same with the 959. But these companies have always had large partners or parent companies to help defer those losses.
Being a smaller manufacturer, do you ever have to make tradeoffs or cut corners to keep your projects financially viable?

That's a great question! And the answer is no. I believe that one of the reasons we will not only compete with but surpass those type competitors is that we are so efficient in our design process and because of that we don't have to cut corners in the production versions. I can assure you that our business plan will sustain for a very long time. It's all about logic. I don't understand the thought process behind alot of other auto manufacturers out there. - Shelby

I want to thank everyone for their great questions and comments tonight. It's been great to interact with fellow auto enthusiast's. I look forward to the day that all of you get to experience a "New Generation" in person. Good night. - Shelby

Hi guys, thanks for doing this.
A few questions:
Has that maniac Gerald Weigert ever contacted you to congratulate you on doing what he failed to do?
When will we get some new studio shots of the new design?
Have any video game developers contacted you yet?
Would you have been able to get to this point now with investors vs funding yourself?

- Gerald Weigert has not, but we did talk to him years ago at SEMA.
-Within the next several months.
-Yes, we've been in the Microsoft games the past few years.
-Up to this point it's all been private     - Junus

I actually talked to Gerald Weigert at the LA Auto Show when he showed his new car there. You know, the one he claimed would have 1850hp and go 330mph. 

We asked him if he considered SSC his main competitor. He basically said the Ultimate Aero is crap and a kit car. Bitter that SSC was able to accomplish their goals? - forum member

I absolutely love the new design. It's simply beautiful. I have 2 quick questions.
1. Will the new car still use "butterfly" doors?
2. Will more attention be given to the interior of the car?

Yes and definitely! We are making sure the interior matches the exterior aesthetic of the new design. - Junus

Thank you guys for coming out and being a part of this Q&A. It's going to be an exciting year and we're looking forward to revealing more information on Teamspeed. Feel free to message me with any other questions you guys have and I'll try to get back to you as quickly as possible. - Junus

Love the car but cannot stand that little exhaust pod.

I just wanted to point out that for some reason the photos made the exhaust area look like a pod. In person it looks like a V. So flush with the bumper is an area that is a few inches wide and angles back under the car. I'll try to post a picture here as soon as I can!

 Sir Mix-a-Lot - Carz