Tuatara shatters world record

The SSC Tuatara has snatched the title of the world’s fastest production car after a breath-taking performance that topped 500kph.

The American-built hypercar set an average speed of 508.73kph (316.11mph) over two runs, beating the Bugatti Chiron SuperSport’s single run of 490.48kph (304.77mph) in 2019.

British driver Oliver Webb was behind the wheel of the Tuatara for its record-breaking effort on an 11km stretch of closed public road near Las Vegas on October 10.

He hit 484.53kph (301.07mph) on his first run before reaching a maximum speed of 532.93kph (331.15mph) on the return leg.

In accordance with record criteria, the Tuatara travelled in opposite directions, clocking its speeds within one hour, to break the record for fastest production vehicle. It was also a complete production vehicle and used road tyres and non-race fuel

The Tuatara claimed three other world titles– the fastest flying mile on a public road at 503.92kph (313.12mph), the fastest flying kilometre on a public road at 517.16kph (321.35mph) and the highest speed achieved on a public road 532.93kph (331.15mph). 

A mix of a massively powerful drivetrain, lightweight construction and smart aerodynamics helped secure the records. 

The car is powered by a bespoke 5.9L twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8, which produces 1,750bhp that is directed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed “computerised” manual transmission. The carbon fibre monocoque and body panels mean the Tuatara weighs just 1,247kg – less than a Ford Focus.

Webb claims in better conditions the Tuatara has the potential to go even faster.

“There was definitely more in there,” he says. “As I approached 331mph, the Tuatara climbed almost 20mph within the last five seconds. It was still pulling well …The crosswinds are all that prevented us from realising the car’s limit.”

The achievement is SSC’s second fastest production car title after its predecessor the Ultimate Aero set a world record speed of 411.72kph (255.83mph) in 2007.