SSC Tuatara 2019 - monster hypercar

Among all the famous models presented at the 2018 Pebble Beach Contest of Elegance, it would be easy to miss the presentation of the American sports car manufacturer SSC. But here are 1305 reasons why you shouldn't.

This is how much energy the new Tuatara hypercar produces in kilowatts (at least when it runs on E85 fuel). Which, we're sure you'll agree, is outrageous.

Powered by a 5.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Tuatara will produce nearly the same staggering 1007kW when running on 91 octane gasoline, both enough to propel the SSC stunner into the top tier of global performance cars. .

Why so much power? Because the Tuatara was designed to reach a top speed of 480 km/h. And, apparently, it is. Bad news for the current "official" record holder, the Koenigsegg Agera RS, which tops out at a miserable 447 km/h.

SSC was formerly known as Shelby SuperCars and company founder and CEO Jarod Shelby was in attendance at the highly anticipated debut of the Tuatara. The name, by the way, is inspired by the New Zealand lizard. But better let SSC explain.

“The name Tuatara was inspired by the modern New Zealand reptile that bears the same name. A direct descendant of the dinosaur, the name of this reptile is translated from the Maori language as “pikes on the back”, which is quite appropriate, given the wings on the back of the new car,” the company says.

Power, however great, is only half the story of the Tuatara. Secondly, its light weight and sleek aerodynamics, while the chassis and body are made entirely of carbon fiber.

Pricing and specs have yet to be confirmed, but if you're looking for the world's fastest lizard, have your pen ready to sign checks: only 100 units will be made.

Is the SSC the perfect hypercar? Tell us in the comments below.