US-based SSC has revealed two new versions of its Tuatara model, which currently holds the record for the world's fastest production car. They are unlikely to make their way to India. Called the Tuatara Striker and Aggressor, these limited-run hypercars provide more downforce, generate up to 2,200hp of power, and offer more options for customization.
Tuatara Striker
Just when you thought SSC was settling in for a long haul with its epic Tuatara hypercar, we now have upgraded versions to talk about. How does one upgrade from a 1,750-horsepower (1,305-kilowatt) machine that currently holds the record as the world's fastest production car? Simple – give it more downforce and naturally, more power.
That's what SSC has done, though it uses two new versions of the Tuatara to accomplish the goal. The Tuatara Striker focuses on aerodynamic enhancements to significantly increase downforce. Specifically, SSC says downforce is increased by a factor of three, producing 1,100 pounds for the entire car at a speed of 160 mph.
Tuatara Striker
A massive rear wing is part of the package, working with the Tuatara's active rear wing as well as a vertical stabilizer and a tweaked diffuser. A front splitter, frontal dive place, and directionally vaned side rockers contribute to forces towards the front. In all, SSC says the aero upgrades balance the extra push to the tune of 45.4 percent in front, 54.6 percent at the back. Moving inside, you'll find more carbon fiber, more Alcantara ... you know the drill.
Power for the Tuatara Striker remains stock at a maximum of 1,750 hp. That's where the Tuatara Aggressor comes in, as it gets upgrades that deliver a positively absurd 2,200 hp (1,641 kW). The Aggressor also gets the aero treatment from the Striker, but alas, it's not street legal. SSC bills this as a track-only machine, and it's also infinitely customizable. What exactly does that mean? Honestly, SSC doesn't offer much in the way of detail, aside from stating the exhaust sound can be tuned and you can get performance, aesthetic, and experience items "not possible" in the street-specific Tuatara.
As for production, it will be very limited as you'd expect. SSC is committed to building 100 standard Tuataras and 100 Tuatara Strikers, but only 10 Tuatara Aggressors. Pricing information isn't offered, but we seriously doubt the target audience for these vehicles is interested in such things.
Tuatara Aggressor
The Tuatara Aggressor model uses the Striker's aero kit, as part of a package to make the supercar making a track-only weapon. SSC said customers will be given the freedom with the Aggressor to customize the supercar to "near limitless" levels in terms of performance, appearance, and options. A carbon dashboard is standard, and customers will have the option to customize their own racing seats, five-point racing harness, and carbon-fiber roll cage. Customers will also have the option to use Lexan windows and a stripped-down bare carbon-fiber interior without sound deadening for weight savings. Buyers will be involved in the build of their specific car, and the design of the exhaust system and the sound it makes will be tailored to their liking; SSC will even let customers make the car as loud as they want because it won't have decibel restrictions as a track car. Track slicks will also be optional.
Striker models are powered by the Tuatara's 5.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 with 1,350 hp and 984 lb-ft of torque on 91-octane pump gas and 1,750 hp and 1,322 lb-ft of torque on E85. A 7-speed automated CIMA gearbox sends powers to the rear wheels with gearing optimized for a top speed of 270 mph and better acceleration when exiting low-speed corners compared to the standard Tuatara.
Aggressor models come with 1,350 hp, but they can be optioned to produce of 2,200 hp and 1,604 lb-ft of torque on E85 thanks to a more aggressive camshaft, higher compression, and more boost.
SSC will build 100 total units of the Tuatara and Tuatara Striker along with 10 units of the track-only Tuatara Aggressor for a total of 110 Tuataras. That's 10 more units than originally planned, though the 10 Aggressor models won't be street-legal. Striker and Aggressor models add at least $199,000 (depending on options) to Tuatara's $1.95 million price. All three models are said to be in production now in Richland, Washington, with at least one Aggressor and multiple Striker build slots already spoken for. SSC CEO Jared Shelby told Motor Authority build slots are still available for customer deliveries in 2022, but he wouldn't comment on how many of the 110 Tuataras are spoken for thus far.
-by Amaan Attar
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