The 2008 model broke all records for production cars, now with 15% more power in 2009, they set the bar even higher. HP is boosted from 1,183 to 1,287 and claims that it can achieve top speed of 270 mph, 23 mph over its last year Guinness Book of World record speed of 257 mph.

Part of the extra efficiency was gained by making the frontend more aerodynamic, improving the cooling system with the side air scoops. more air to the radiators. A rear spoiler air brake was also added.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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.

For more information and images of the 2009 Ultimate Aero, please visit www.ShelbySuperCars.com.

Sébastien Loeb  is the Champion of Champions, for the 4th time after winning the Race of Champions today. In the race, drivers from NASCAR, FQ, WRC, and DTM face off in evenly matched cars on a twisty course in Wembly Stadium, London U.K.  Loeb came out victorious in the challenge of skill by .3 seconds.

This may be the beginning of a new era for Formula 1. On Friday, sport officials announced a package of major rule changes that may end up lopping off billion dollars in collective team spending a year. The rules are mostly restrictions on testing, aerodynamic research, and engine performance. But FIA president Max Mosley says the fans won’t notice a difference, “What’s significant about these changes is when you walk down the pit lane, or you sit in the grandstand or watch television, you will notice no difference at all. It will be Formula One as we all know it but clearly much less expensive.”

Teams should save about 30% of their budget, with independent teams saving even more, almost half, which is always a good thing for competition. All in-season testing is now banned, except whats done during scheduled practice on a grand prix weekend. Engine life is to be doubled. Teams will have to start sharing information about fuel and tires and tactics like that, among other things. The complete list is included in the official FIA statement below.

Everyone admits these cost cutting measures are necessary, but let’s hope they don’t go overboard with standardized drivetrains or anything too drastic. The whole point of Formula 1 is that it’s extravagant; it’s the ultimate, with the best technology and the best drivers and the best engineers. That sort of insane wealth gives it the feel and the look of Formula 1. Without excess, I might as well watch Nascar.

The official statement and new rules: