WEST RICHLAND, Wash. — Little-known U.S. supercar maker SSC is aiming to put its name in lights with a crack at the top speed record for road-legal production cars. The title is currently held by the Bugatti EB Veyron 16.4 at an independently verified 253 mph.

The company behind the Ultimate Aero is planning to close down a 12-mile stretch of Nevada's Highway 93 on March 21 for the first run at the Veyron's record. SSC's weapon of choice is a specially prepared version of theUltimate Aero prepared by MKM Racing. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V8 that can reportedly put out a staggering 1,183 horsepower along with 1,094 pound-feet of torque.