The SSC Tuatara is a limited‑production high‑performance automobile manufactured by Shelby SuperCars (SSC) North America, an American boutique automotive company founded by Jerod Shelby. Introduced in concept form in 2015 and launched for production in 2020, the Tuatara is positioned as a "hypercar" aimed at achieving top‑speed records while incorporating advanced aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
Development and Design
- The vehicle’s chassis is a carbon‑fiber monocoque with additional carbon‑fiber body panels, contributing to a dry weight of approximately 2,750 lb (1,247 kg).
- Aerodynamic elements include a retractable front splitter, active rear wing, and a rear diffuser designed to generate downforce while minimizing drag. The car’s name references the tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand, symbolising rapid acceleration and agility.
Powertrain
- The Tuatara is powered by a twin‑turbocharged 5.9‑liter V8 engine, manufactured by Global Engine Research (GER).
- Power output varies with fuel type: up to 1,350 hp on regular gasoline and up to 1,750 hp when running on E‑85 ethanol.
- Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six‑speed automated manual transmission.
Performance Claims
- SSC announced theoretical top‑speed capabilities exceeding 300 mph (≈ 483 km/h).
- An initial high‑speed test conducted in October 2020 at the Pahrump Valley Speedway reported a one‑way speed of 331 mph, but the result was later retracted due to methodological concerns.
- A subsequent verified run in January 2021 at the same venue produced a two‑way average of 286.1 mph (≈ 460 km/h).
- In October 2021, SSC recorded a two‑way average speed of 282.9 mph (≈ 455 km/h) on a closed section of the Kennedy Space Center runway, which stands as the highest officially documented speed for the model to date.
Production and Pricing
- SSC limited the production run to 100 units, with individual pricing reported in the range of US $1.6 million to $2.5 million, depending on customization options.
- As of 2023, the majority of the allocated units had been sold, with deliveries ongoing.
Reception and Impact
- The Tuatara has been noted for its blend of extreme power, lightweight construction, and sophisticated aerodynamics, drawing comparisons with contemporaneous hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron and Koenigsegg Jesko.
- The controversy surrounding the initial, unverified speed claim sparked broader discussion within the automotive community regarding the verification standards for top‑speed records.
References
- Shelby SuperCars, “SSC Tuatara – Official Specifications,” SSC North America website, accessed 2024.
- MotorTrend, “SSC Tuatara’s Record‑Breaking Attempt: Results and Analysis,” January 2021.
- Road & Track, “Inside the SSC Tuatara’s Aerodynamic Design,” February 2022.
The information presented reflects data available from reliable automotive publications and the manufacturer’s official communications up to 2024.