The SSC Tuatara is a hypercar built for legacy. Created by SSC North America, it exists in the razor-thin space between science fiction and street-legal performance. Its name, derived from a New Zealand reptile known for evolving slowly, is ironic; the car redefines the pace of innovation. This car pushes the boundaries of speed, engineering, and design. Backed by limited production and eye-watering performance figures, the Tuatara is a challenge to every concept of what a production vehicle can be.
Design
Designed by Jason Castriota, the Tuatara’s silhouette is an study in function-driven form. Crafted entirely from carbon fiber, its body has a drag coefficient of just 0.279 — exceptionally low for a hypercar. Butterfly doors, dramatic venting, and a mid-engine layout all speak to its jet fighter inspiration. The cockpit is minimalist yet refined, with digital displays, ergonomic controls, and a central seating position inspired by Formula 1. Its proportions are lean and lethal: long, low, and sculpted for high-speed stability. Every surface is designed to reduce lift and channel airflow where it matters most—over, under, and through.
Powertrain
Beneath its sleek body lies a custom-built 5.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, developed in-house by SSC. On E85 fuel, the engine delivers an astonishing 1750 BHP; on standard 91 octane, it still churns out 1350 BHP. It’s paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission with rapid-shift capabilities. The rear-wheel-drive setup and ultra-lightweight frame enables explosive acceleration, with SSC claiming 0–100 kmph in under 2.5 seconds. Its top speed has been verified at up to 475 kmph but the car is capable of exceeding 500 kmph under optimal conditions.
Engineering
What makes the Tuatara truly unique isn’t just its top speed, it’s how comprehensively engineered every element is. The chassis is a carbon-fibre monocoque weighing just 136 kg. Active aerodynamics adjust in real time, helping the car adapt to corners, straights, and wind shifts. The ECU is fully programmable, offering customizable driving modes and performance maps. Cooling systems come with intelligent ducting to avoid heat soak. Unlike many hypercars, the Tuatara also incorporates convenience features such as climate control, premium audio, and adjustable seating. It doesn’t sacrifice comfort or usability for performance.
Pricing & Availability
The SSC Tuatara is among the most exclusive hypercars ever produced. SSC plans to build only 100 units, with base pricing starting at $1.6 million. Customisation options and track-focused variants can push the final cost well past $2 million. Orders are accepted directly through SSC North America and a small network of international partners. As of 2025, some of these vehicles have been delivered, with units spotted in the U.S., UAE, and parts of Europe. Each car is hand-built in Richland, Washington, and buyers undergo a detailed consultation process to tailor their Tuatara to individual specifications.
