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SSC Tuatara Production Model Finally Revealed, Can Hit “Well Over 300 MPH”

Formerly known as Shelby Supercars Inc., SSC North America has been teasing the Tuatara since a concept was presented at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. Nine years later, the series-production model has premiered at the Philadelphia Auto Show with a class-leading 0.279 drag coefficient.
2020 SSC Tuatara production model 19 photos
Photo: SSC
2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model2020 SSC Tuatara production model
According to designer Jason Castriota, the hypercar “maintains an identical aero balance from 100 mph to well over 300 mph.” Bugatti has already topped that speed with the Chiron, though the Super Sport 300+ will be limited to 273.4 mph for safety reasons. Hennessey has yet to test the Venom F5 at such high speeds, but their hypercar also promises 300-plus mph.

Only 100 examples of the breed will ever be produced, packing 1,350 horsepower with 91 octane or 1,750 horsepower with E85. The twin-turbo V8 sitting behind the driver’s backside is paired with a seven-speed transmission promising sub-100-millisecond shifts in Track Mode. Nice specs, alright!

Like the all-new Corvette Z06 that’s been spied only recently, the engine in the Tuatara features a flat-plane crankshaft for high revolutions. The 5.9-liter powerplant redlines at 8,800 rpm.

The engineers have also designed a front lift, raising the front suspension by 40 millimeters to clear speed bumps without the fear of scraping the lip spoiler. While on the subject of convenience, the SSC Tuatara’s cabin fits drivers and passengers as tall as 6 feet and 5 inches (almost two meters).

Every unit of the all-American hypercar will be manufactured in Richland, Washington, and as you’d expected, customers are treated to an extensive list of options. The only authorized dealership in the Northeast of the United States is Manhattan Motorcars of New York, which means that servicing could prove a bit of a hassle unless the owner arranges trailer transportation.

Pricing still is a mystery, though it’s understood that the standard specification will start at approximately $1.3 million. When the SSC Ultimate Aero was brand-new in 2006, the Tuatara’s predecessor retailed at $740k.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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