Overview
The SSC Tuatara is a 1,750-hp American hypercar built in Richland, Washington. Its 282.9 mph two-run average is the highest officially verified speed for any American production vehicle.
SSC Tuatara's 282 mph is the highest verified production car speed from an American vehicle. Hennessey's 311 mph F5 target, if verified, would surpass it.
2026 Trims & Pricing
100 Tuatara units planned. Contact SSC North America at sscnorthamerica.com.
Full Specs
| Spec | Tuatara |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.9L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| HP | 1,750 hp |
| Verified Speed | 282.9 mph (2-run avg) |
| 0-60 | ~2.5 s est |
| Units | 100 planned |
| Built | Richland, WA |
1,750-hp V8
SSC's 5.9L twin-turbo V8 produces 1,750 hp — powering the Tuatara to 282 mph in official two-run testing.
The Tuatara's 282.9 mph two-run average was verified officially — correcting an earlier disputed 331 mph claim. The corrected record stands.
282-mph Record
SSC's first run (331 mph claimed, 2020) was disputed due to GPS data. The corrected two-run average of 282.9 mph was officially verified and is the accepted record.
SSC's handling of the disputed run — acknowledging issues and re-verifying — increased credibility among the automotive community.
Washington State Hypercar
SSC North America was founded by Jerod Shelby (no relation to Carroll Shelby) in Richland, Washington. It is the only hypercar manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest.
SSC's founder Jerod Shelby has no family connection to Carroll Shelby or Shelby American. The name similarity is frequently asked about.
Reliability
Reliability data from Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and NHTSA.
| Area | Rating | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | ★★★★★ | Exceptional | Hand-built hypercar |
| Drivetrain | ★★★★★ | Exceptional | Record-verified |
| Overall | N/A | Hypercar | Direct SSC support |
Check consumerreports.org and nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
Recalls
Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Updates
Pros & Cons
✓ 282 mph officially verified
✓ 1,750 hp American hypercar
✓ Washington State — unique location
✓ SSC transparency on speed record
✗ $1.6M hypercar pricing
✗ Earlier 331 mph claim controversy
✗ Minimal service infrastructure
FAQ
- SSC North America; Guinness World Records; automotive press
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