SSC Tuatara: The American Hypercar Redefining Speed Limits
The world’s fastest production car
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Technical Specifications
- Performance & Records
- Design & Aerodynamics
- Engine & Powertrain
- Interior & Technology
- Production & Availability
- Company History
- Competitors & Market Position
Introduction
The SSC Tuatara is an American hypercar manufactured by Shelby SuperCars (SSC). Named after the Tuatara reptile native to New Zealand, known for its rapid evolution and unique DNA structure, the car represents evolutionary advancement in automotive engineering.
First unveiled in 2011 and entering production in 2020, the Tuatara was designed to reclaim the title of world’s fastest production car for the United States, a title previously held by the SSC Ultimate Aero from 2007 to 2010.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions & Weight
| Length | 4,570 mm (179.9 in) |
| Width | 2,080 mm (81.9 in) |
| Height | 1,065 mm (41.9 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm (106.0 in) |
| Curb Weight | 1,247 kg (2,749 lb) |
| Weight Distribution | 44% front / 56% rear |
Chassis & Body
| Chassis Material | Carbon fiber monocoque |
| Body Material | Carbon fiber composite |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.279 Cd |
Performance & World Records
Speed Records
On October 10, 2020, the SSC Tuatara achieved a verified two-way average speed of 508.73 km/h (316.11 mph) on a closed section of Highway 160 in Pahrump, Nevada, making it the fastest production car in the world.
The record-breaking run details:
| First Run | 484.53 km/h (301.07 mph) |
| Second Run | 532.93 km/h (331.15 mph) |
| Two-Way Average | 508.73 km/h (316.11 mph) |
| Location | Highway 160, Pahrump, Nevada |
| Driver | Oliver Webb |
Acceleration
| 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) | 2.5 seconds |
| 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) | 4.5 seconds |
| 0-200 mph (0-322 km/h) | 15.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 508.73 km/h (316.11 mph) – verified |
| Braking 60-0 mph | 29.0 meters (95 feet) |
Design & Aerodynamics
Exterior Design
The Tuatara was designed by Jason Castriota, former design director at Pininfarina. The design philosophy focused on achieving the perfect balance between aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
Key design features include:
- Teardrop-shaped cockpit for optimal airflow
- Active aerodynamics with deployable rear wing
- Dihedral synchro-helix doors that open upward and outward
- LED lighting throughout with distinctive light signatures
- Carbon fiber construction with visible weave pattern
Aerodynamic Features
| Drag Coefficient | 0.279 Cd (Low Drag Mode) |
| Frontal Area | 1.82 m² (19.6 sq ft) |
| Downforce at 160 km/h (100 mph) | 90 kg (198 lb) |
| Downforce at 320 km/h (200 mph) | 360 kg (794 lb) |
| Active Rear Wing | Automatically deploys at high speeds |
Engine & Powertrain
Power Unit
| Engine Type | Twinturbocharged V8 |
| Displacement | 5.9 L (5,900 cc) |
| Bore x Stroke | 95.0 mm × 104.0 mm (3.74 in × 4.09 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.75:1 |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Maximum Power | 1,350 hp (1,007 kW) on E85 fuel 1,750 hp (1,305 kW) with optional power package |
| Maximum Torque | 1,735 N⋅m (1,280 lb⋅ft) |
| Redline | 8,800 rpm |
Transmission & Drivetrain
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual (CIMA) |
| Shift Time | Under 100 milliseconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.36:1 |
Fuel System
The Tuatara can run on multiple fuel types:
| 91 Octane Gasoline | 1,350 hp (1,007 kW) |
| E85 Ethanol | 1,750 hp (1,305 kW) |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 US gal) |
Interior & Technology
Cockpit Design
The Tuatara features a driver-focused cockpit with aerospace-inspired design elements and extensive use of premium materials.
Interior Features
- Carbon fiber bucket seats with custom upholstery
- Digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
- Carbon fiber steering wheel with integrated controls
- Bespoke audio system
- Climate control system
- Extensive use of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber
Technology & Systems
| Instrumentation | High-resolution digital display |
| Infotainment | Touchscreen interface with navigation |
| Suspension | Double wishbone with adjustable dampers |
| Brakes | Carbon ceramic discs with 6-piston calipers |
| Stability Control | Multi-mode electronic stability program |
| Traction Control | Adjustable multi-stage system |
Production & Availability
Manufacturing
The SSC Tuatara is hand-built at SSC’s facility in Richland, Washington. Each car requires approximately 2,500-3,000 hours to complete.
Production Numbers
| Total Planned Production | 100 units |
| Production Start | 2020 |
| Build Time per Car | 3-4 months |
Pricing
| Base Price | $1.6 million USD |
| Typical Options | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Fully Optioned | $2.0+ million USD |
Customization
Each Tuatara is extensively customizable with options for:
- Exterior paint colors and liveries
- Interior materials and colors
- Performance packages
- Aerodynamic components
- Wheel designs and finishes
Company History & Development
SSC North America
Shelby SuperCars (SSC) was founded in 1998 by Jerod Shelby (no relation to Carroll Shelby). The company is based in Richland, Washington, and focuses exclusively on developing world-class hypercars.
Development Timeline
| 2007 | SSC Ultimate Aero sets world record at 412 km/h (256 mph) |
| 2011 | Tuatara concept unveiled at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance |
| 2018 | Production version finalized |
| 2020 | First customer deliveries begin |
| 2020 | World record speed run completed |
Engineering Partners
SSC collaborated with several renowned engineering firms for the Tuatara’s development:
- Engine: Developed with Nelson Racing Engines
- Aerodynamics: Computational fluid dynamics by Aria Group
- Transmission: Custom 7-speed by CIMA
- Chassis: Carbon fiber expertise from Aria Group
Competitors & Market Position
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Top Speed | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ | 490 km/h (304 mph) | 1,600 hp | $3.9 million |
| Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut | 531 km/h (330 mph) – claimed | 1,600 hp | $3.0 million |
| Hennessey Venom F5 | 500+ km/h (311+ mph) | 1,817 hp | $2.1 million |
| Rimac Nevera | 412 km/h (256 mph) | 1,914 hp | $2.4 million |
Market Position
The SSC Tuatara positions itself as the ultimate American hypercar, offering:
- Verified world record top speed
- Competitive pricing relative to European rivals
- Extensive customization options
- American engineering and manufacturing
- Limited production exclusivity
Conclusion
The SSC Tuatara represents a significant achievement in American automotive engineering, reclaiming the world’s fastest production car title for the United States after more than a decade. With its revolutionary design, staggering performance figures, and meticulous attention to detail, the Tuatara has firmly established SSC North America as a serious contender in the global hypercar market.
Beyond its record-breaking speed, the Tuatara showcases what a small, dedicated American company can achieve through innovation, determination, and a relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. It stands as a testament to the spirit of American ingenuity and the ongoing evolution of the supercar.
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