Jerod had a login here before, you'd think he would pop in on one of the numerous threads there have been asking about this car over the years, and at least say, "Hey, we're still at it, stay tuned."

Tuatara Engine Package Surpasses All Design Specifications During Testing

WEST RICHLAND, WA (04/24/2013)

With major assembly development entering the final phases for the Tuatara, the engine package completed its final testing and validation during a last full day of dyno testing last week where the newly developed SSC power plant was put through its paces in a grueling effort to find any weaknesses. At completion of all the durability and performance testing, the Tuatara power plant passed all project specifications with flying colors. This newly developed 423 cu.in. twin turbo V-8 engine will come standard in the Tuatara producing 1350 horsepower and a staggering 1280 lb-ft of torque running on standard United States "premium" 91 octane fuel and has also shown that it is easily capable of over 1700 HP for those owners that don't want or need to be buffered by regulations. After three years of engineering, the final results are an amazingly docile package with incredible daily drivable characteristics that truly mask the savage beast within.

"This is a proud moment for all that were part of the engineering team on this project. This amazingly versatile package has already shown that it can easily be driven on a daily basis in any climate or environment in the world and at the same time can roll out of the pit area onto a track like Nurburgring and easily handle any rigors that record will require. Versatile, efficient, docile, savage... Engineering success!" says SSC founder and lead designer Jerod Shelby.

In anticipation of the Tuatara being put through paces by the media and customers, that most supercars won't endure, SSC engineering even required this Tuatara engine to complete a durability test where the engine is run at a set RPM of 5500 and then a massive load is placed on the motor and held there for a full 5 minutes while all facets of the engine internally and externally were data logged. At the 5 minute point, the engine was dropped back to an idle for 30 seconds to let the exhaust valves cool, and then immediately ramped back up to 5500 RPM's for another full 5 minutes of extreme load.

"Even if it were possible to climb a steep and constant hill at 275 mph, with the aerodynamic drag that would be associated with that speed, you would never see the kind of load we are testing our engines at. It was quite an experience to watch an engine be put through these kinds of extreme tests, explains Shelby. I've never personally seen exhaust headers glow orange/red for that long period of time. I was waiting for metal to start dripping on the floor. But not only did metal not turn to liquid during the grueling testing, the engine was torn down for internal inspection when all testing was completed, and every component still looked brand new. The Tuatara is going to be an exciting car that redefines the super car industry," Shelby states with a smile.