The record top speed for a production car looks set to be smashed after SSC announced its Ultimate Aero TT now has 15 per cent more power.

The SSC Ultimate Aero TT currently holds the world record for a car after it hit 257mph in 2007, thanks to its twin-turbocharged 6.2-litre V8 engine which develops 1,187bhp.

But this isn’t enough for Shelby SuperCars which has fitted the Ultimate Aero TT with an aluminium engine block and upped oomph to 1,287bhp.

This makes it three times more powerful than the BMW M3 – and SSC claim this torrent of power will enable a top speed of 270mph.

Cosmetically, the 2009 Ultimate Aero TT gets a new nose while carbon fibre louvers allow a further 20 per cent of air intake to cool the car’s radiators.

There is also a rear spoiler which raises the wing angle by 8 per cent under braking to increase downforce and improve the Aero TT’s stopping power.

200mph electric supercar

Shelby SuperCars has also outlined further details of its electric car, the Ultimate Aero EV – a car the American company claims will set a new benchmark in performance green motoring.

SSC is developing an electric powertrain which will have outputs ranging from 200bhp to a phenomenal 1,000bhp.

The lower output motors will be supplied for small and mid-sized cars while the top motors are for heavy duty and military vehicle and will also be used in the Aero EV.

SSC claims the Aero EV will be able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and hit 208mph – making it comfortably faster than any other electric production car.

They also say the EV will have a range of 150-20 miles on a single charge with a full recharge taking just 10 minutes.

If these claims are true, the EV could turn out to be one of the most revolutionary cars of all time.

Production of the SSC Ultimate Aero EV will take place in the second quarter of the year with deliveries expected towards the end of 2009.

Video: Like green cars? Then you'll love the Tesla Roadster