SSC Tuatara

The SSC Tuatara /ˈtuətɑːrə/ is a sports car designed, developed and manufactured by American automobile manufacturer SSC North America (formerly Shelby SuperCars Inc.). The car is the successor to the SSC Aero and is the result of a design collaboration between Jason Castriota and SSC. Initially it was to be powered by a 6.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine but eventually the capacity of the engine was reduced to 5.9-liters in order to allow the engine to have a higher redline of 8,800 rpm.[2] SSC has stated that the power output would be at 1,350 hp (1,007 kW; 1,369 PS) or 1,750 hp (1,305 kW; 1,774 PS) on E85 fuel, along with the top speed goal of 300 mph (483 km/h).[3]

This article is about the sports car. For the experimental music band, see Tuatara (band). For the animal, see Tuatara.

SSC Tuatara
Overview
ManufacturerSSC North America
Production2020–present[1]
AssemblyRichland, Washington, United States
DesignerJason Castriota
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
Layout Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
ChassisCarbon Fiber Monocoque
Powertrain
Engine
  • Concept:
  • 6.9 L (423.6 cu in) twin-turbocharged V8
  • Production version:
  • 5.9 L (360.0 cu in) twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission
  • Concept options:
  • 7-speed manual
  • 7-speed semi-automatic
  • Production version:
  • 7-speed CIMA automated manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase105.2 in (2,672 mm)
Length182.4 in (4,633 mm)
Width81.3 in (2,065 mm)
Height42.0 in (1,067 mm)
Curb weight2,750 lb (1,247 kg) (dry)
Chronology
PredecessorSSC Ultimate Aero

Overview
SSC Tuatara concept

SSC began working on the development of the successor of the SSC Ultimate Aero in 2011. The new car, named the Tuatara was previewed in concept form at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In August 2018, 7 years after the debut of the concept, the production version of the Tuatara was shown to the general public. Designed by ex-Pininfarina designer Jason Castriota, the car takes inspiration from the aerospace industry.

The Tuatara is named after the reptile, found only in New Zealand, known for having the fastest molecular evolution of any living animal.[4]

SSC claims the Tuatara has the lowest drag coefficient in its class at 0.279. The car has a carbon-fiber body construction with aluminum crumple zones and incorporates active aerodynamics.[5]

The interior contains leather and Alcantara upholstery and the functions of the car are controlled through a touch screen located on the center console. There is a configurable instrument panel behind the steering wheel displaying important information about the car's status along with a 300 mph speedometer. The car uses a camera system instead of traditional side view mirrors. SSC claims that the interior can seat a 6 foot 5 feet tall person wearing a helmet.[1]

The Tuatara will be produced at a purpose-built facility in West Richland, Washington and production will be limited to 100 cars.

SSC has partnered with Nelson Racing Engines to build the engine, Linder Power Systems for engine sub-assembly fabrication and Automac for the production of the 7-speed semi-automatic transmission.[6] The transmission was later revealed to be a 7-speed automated manual manufactured by CIMA. The car has the following driving modes; "Sport", "Track" and "Lift". in sport mode, the ride height is 4 in at the front and 4.5 in at the rear. In track mode, the ride height lowers to 2.75 in at the front and 3.75 in at the rear. The lift mode is designed to protect the underbody of the car while driving over speed bumps or driveways.[7]

The Tuatara is offered with two configurations, a "high-speed" configuration and a "high-downforce" configuration. The first customer car was delivered during the Monterey Car Week and was unveiled at the Philadelphia Motor Show on 7 February 2020.[8]

Specifications and general data

Engine
  • Type: Billet aluminium flat-plane crank V8
  • Displacement: 5.9 L (360 cu in; 5,900 cc)
  • Compression Ratio: 8.80:1
  • Horsepower: 1,350 hp (1,007 kW; 1,369 PS) at 6,800 rpm (1,750 hp (1,305 kW; 1,774 PS) at 8,800 rpm on E85 flex fuel)
  • Torque: 1,280 lb⋅ft (1,735 N⋅m) at 6,800 rpm[9]
  • Redline: 8,800 rpm
  • Fuel Injection: Electronic sequential port with dual injection per cylinder
  • Oil: SAE 5W/30 Fully Synthetic (Racing)
  • Induction System: Sequential, multi-port fuel injection, twin-turbochargers, dual-water to air intercoolers
  • Fuel: Premium Unleaded - 91RON pump octane, E85 flex fuel
  • Weight: 428 lb (194 kg)
  • Transmission: 7-Speed CIMA automated manual with robotised shifting mechanism
  • Clutch: Triple-disc carbon ceramic, zicro'titanium clutch

General data
  • Wheelbase: 105.2 in (2,672 mm)
  • Length: 182.4 in (4,633 mm)
  • Width: 81.3 in (2,065 mm)
  • Height: 42.0 in (1,067 mm)
  • Ground Clearance: 4.0 in (102 mm)
  • Layout: Mid-engined (Aero Direct-Straightline position of engine)
  • Drivetrain: Longitudinal adjustable optional electrological rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  • Body/Frame: Carbon-fiber/Carbon-fiber/Aluminium crash structures
  • Coefficient of Drag (Cd): 0.279
  • Frontal Area: 18.0 sq. ft.
  • Brakes (Front): 16.0 inch Vented and slotted carbon ceramic discs with 6-piston calipers
  • Brakes (Rear): 15.0 inch Vented and slotted carbon ceramic discs with 4-piston calipers
  • Wheels:FORGELINE CARBON FORGED 2 PIECE WHEELS 20 X 9 AND 20 X 12
  • Tires: Michelin Pilot Ultra Sport PS2-F1 (245/35 (YR)20 Front, 345/35 (YR)20 Rear)
  • Steering: Rack & Pinion, Variable electric assist tilt column
  • Turns - Lock to Lock: 2.5
  • Turning Circle: 41.6 ft (12.7 m)
  • Suspension (F/R): Adjustable hydraulic system with unequal length upper and lower A-arms, coil-over springs, remote reservoir-adjustable Penske coil-over shocks, cab controlled air lift, anti-roll bars
  • Total Dry Weight: 2,750 lb (1,247 kg)[10]

References
  1. Pattni, Vijay (February 10, 2020). "This is it: the very first 1,750bhp SSC Tuatara". Top Gear. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  2. "Tuatara,SSC NorthAmerica". SSC NorthAmerica. July 6, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  3. "New SSC Tuatara is aiming for a 311mph top speed". Top Gear. September 4, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  4. "Tuatara evolving faster than any other species". Massey University. January 4, 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2009.
  5. Gilboy, James. "SSC Tuatara Finally Crashes The Hypercar Party with 1,750 American-Made Horsepower". The Drive. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  6. "Press Release - The Tuatara Released". SSC North America. August 25, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  7. "First 2020 SSC Tuatara Goes Public: 1,750 HP, 300 MPH, $1.6 Million". Automobile Magazine. February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  8. "First production SSC Tuatara revealed, company to build 99 more". Motor Authority. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  9. "SSC completes engine testing on Tuatara supercar, teases 1,700 hp".
  10. "The future of HyperCars is here". SSC North America. August 24, 2018. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
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