An automaker called SSC has an insanely fast car called the Tuatara that it claims will be able to go over 300 mph when fully opened up. To reach such incredible speeds, the car has crazy power of up to 1750 hp on E85 fuel. Recently, the company offered up a video of the car running from 60 to 120 mph in under three seconds.
The acceleration the car can muster from a roll is incredible. For those unfamiliar with the Tuatara, it has a twin-turbo 5.9-liter V-8 engine with a seven-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission. If an owner fills the car with 91-octane fuel, it produces 1350 hp. The full 1750 hp requires E85.
https://youtu.be/MVtqUCKghpY
The car is also incredibly light at 2750 pounds and is highly aerodynamic. Interestingly, it appears that the driver behind the wheel of the Tuatara was up to no good on a public road somewhere, starting at around 43 mph and lifting at about 139 mph. The acceleration is all the more impressive considering the car is rear-wheel drive. Check out the video above.
Engineering Marvel
The SSC Tuatara is not just about raw power; it is a marvel of modern engineering. The car’s lightweight design is achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber, which not only reduces weight but also enhances structural rigidity. The aerodynamic design of the Tuatara is another critical factor in its performance. The car has a drag coefficient of just 0.279, which is one of the lowest in the hypercar category. This low drag coefficient helps the car slice through the air with minimal resistance, allowing it to achieve those mind-boggling speeds.
The twin-turbo 5.9-liter V-8 engine is a masterpiece in itself. Developed in collaboration with Nelson Racing Engines, this powerplant is designed to deliver maximum performance while maintaining reliability. The engine’s design includes a flat-plane crankshaft, which helps it rev higher and produce more power. The seven-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission ensures that the power is delivered smoothly and efficiently to the rear wheels.
Real-World Performance
While the theoretical capabilities of the SSC Tuatara are impressive, real-world performance is where the car truly shines. The video released by SSC showcases the car’s ability to accelerate from 60 to 120 mph in under three seconds, a feat that few other cars can match. This kind of acceleration is not just about straight-line speed; it also speaks volumes about the car’s traction and stability.
The Tuatara’s rear-wheel-drive setup might seem like a disadvantage compared to all-wheel-drive hypercars, but SSC has managed to make it work exceptionally well. The car’s advanced traction control system and aerodynamic design help keep it stable even at high speeds. The lightweight construction also means that the car can change direction quickly, making it incredibly agile.
The video also raises some interesting questions about the car’s usability on public roads. While the Tuatara is undoubtedly a track-focused machine, its ability to perform so well on regular roads suggests that it could be more versatile than one might expect. However, driving at such high speeds on public roads is highly dangerous and illegal, and should never be attempted.
Via Autoblog
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