The outcome is breathtaking, especially once
you peel the body work away to reveal how technically challenging it was to
overcome the dreaded forces of nature at 200+mph, whilst packaging the required
mechanical components. It is the ultimate example of form meeting function, to
create a harmonious whole. We like the black teardrop shaped canopy that sits
on top of the white exterior, creating a stunning contrast of power and beauty.
The shape is classic and pivotal, and has a very low drag co-efficient. The car
features dihedral stabilizers or wings that have been borrowed from the realm
of aviation. The term “flying buttress” might be construed as a being a bit
naughty, but they are actually wings that help support the structure of the
car. In this case, they are those bits on the side of the SSC Aero II, which
channel air towards the engine intakes – a Castriota design signature.
The front looks intimidating and purposeful
with its low slung nose and carbon fiber headlights. Looking closely, you’ll
notice venting for the carbon brakes and a cohesive front splitter that
generates enough downforce to keep the nose planted at speed. There is no hood
or luggage space, or any kind of compromise with this car. The side profile is
sleek and sexy – there are no door handles or side repeaters and the car barely
stands over a meter tall. Massive lower recesses house air intakes in front of
the rear wheel arches and feed the ravenous engine and cooling radiators with
much-needed cold air, while doing its bit to balance the look. It checks all
the hypercar boxes and then some. Elements of the first Aero are maintained,
most notably the party piece doors and simple-spoked wheel design. The latter
being the first ever one piece carbon fiber wheels ever fitted to a car. They
are products of Australian company, Carbon Revolution, and the 19" fronts
weigh just 5.8kg each.
The entire body and chassis, save for front and
rear impact zones, are all made from carbon fiber - further emphasizing
lightness as key. This is not necessarily for top speed, but more for everyday
driving and handling. All mid-engined cars require apertures in the bodywork to
help get rid of heat – they usually take the form of slats or louvers but since
this car is anything but, it features circular cut outs in various diameters to
expel heat and generate pub controversy. Moving to the other-worldly rear, dynamics
take over, with aesthetics playing second fiddle. The entire under floor of the
car is sealed leading up to the rear which functions as the mother of all
diffusers, complete with F1-style exhaust. From this angle, it does bear slight
resemblance to an R8 and
by slight, we mean slight – the proportions and shapes are similar. Between the
rear stabilizers is a hydraulically operated air brake – ala Bugatti Veyron and Merc SLR that
comes into play at higher-than-allowed speeds. Dimension wise, the Aero II is
slightly more narrow than before to comply with FIA GT regulations, should they
decide to race it.
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