The SSC Tuatara engine is more than just an internal combustion masterpiece—it’s a technological marvel that pushes the boundaries of speed and power. Developed by SSC North America, this engine is designed to propel the Tuatara hypercar to record-breaking speeds, redefining what’s possible in automotive engineering.
With a 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing an eye-watering 1,750 horsepower (1.3 megawatts) on E85 fuel, this powerhouse is the heart of one of the fastest production cars ever built. Lightweight, high-revving, and engineered for extreme performance, the Tuatara’s powerplant is built for dominance on the road and the track.
But how does this engineering marvel compare to the world’s best hypercar engines? Is it truly the pinnacle of combustion engine technology? Let’s break down the science, innovation, and extreme capabilities of this record-shattering hypercar engine.
The Power Behind the SSC Tuatara Engine
When SSC North America set out to build the Tuatara, their mission was clear: create a hypercar engine that delivers more power, less weight, and ultimate reliability at top speeds.
- Engine Type: 5.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
- Horsepower: 1,750 HP on E85 fuel; 1,350 HP on 91-octane pump gas.
- Torque: 1,280 lb-ft of torque at peak output.
- Rev Limit: 8,800 RPM—one of the highest revving V8 engines in any production car.
- Weight: Just 428 lbs (194 kg), making it one of the lightest hypercar engines ever.
- Top Speed Potential: Over 300 mph—designed to break the world’s fastest production car record.
This engine isn’t just powerful—it’s engineered for efficiency and maximum aerodynamics, ensuring the Tuatara remains stable at extreme speeds.
How the SSC Tuatara Engine Achieves Its Insane Performance
The Tuatara’s V8 is not a conventional supercar engine—it’s a precision-built power unit that combines cutting-edge technology with extreme durability. Here’s how it delivers unmatched performance:
- Flat-Plane Crankshaft: The Tuatara engine uses a flat-plane crank design, similar to Formula 1 engines, allowing it to rev higher and deliver power more smoothly.
- Ultra-Lightweight Components: Titanium and carbon-fiber materials reduce engine weight, improving power-to-weight ratio.
- Massive Twin-Turbochargers: The engine is force-fed by two high-output turbochargers, ensuring instant throttle response and relentless acceleration.
- High-Efficiency Cooling System: Designed to handle intense heat at speeds over 300 mph, preventing performance loss.
- Advanced Fuel Mapping: Optimized for both E85 race fuel and standard 91-octane gasoline, allowing the car to adapt to different driving conditions.
This is not just a hypercar engine—it’s an engineering statement, pushing the limits of combustion performance.
The SSC Tuatara vs. Other Hypercar Engines: How Does It Compare?
How does the SSC Tuatara’s 1,750 HP V8 stack up against the world’s most famous hypercar engines?
| Engine | Car | Horsepower | Displacement | Configuration | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC Tuatara V8 | SSC Tuatara | 1,750 HP | 5.9L Twin-Turbo V8 | Flat-Plane Crank V8 | Over 300 mph |
| Bugatti Chiron W16 | Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ | 1,600 HP | 8.0L Quad-Turbo W16 | W16 | 304 mph |
| Koenigsegg Jesko V8 | Koenigsegg Jesko | 1,600 HP | 5.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | Flat-Plane V8 | 330 mph (projected) |
| Hennessey Venom F5 V8 | Hennessey Venom F5 | 1,817 HP | 6.6L Twin-Turbo V8 | Cross-Plane V8 | 311 mph (projected) |
The Tuatara’s engine is lighter, more compact, and revs higher than almost any other hypercar powerplant, giving it a unique advantage in the race for speed supremacy.
Breaking Records: The SSC Tuatara’s Speed Legacy
The Tuatara was built to be the fastest production car in the world, and its engine plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.
- October 2020: The SSC Tuatara set a controversial record with a claimed 331 mph top speed run, later disputed due to GPS tracking errors.
- January 2021: The Tuatara made a verified 279.7 mph top speed run, still making it one of the fastest cars ever.
- Future Potential: SSC aims to re-attempt the 300+ mph record in a fully documented speed run.
With its monstrous engine, the Tuatara remains a strong contender for the world’s fastest car title.
Why the SSC Tuatara Engine is a Game-Changer
The Tuatara’s 1.3-megawatt engine is proof that internal combustion still has a place in the hypercar world, even as electric supercars emerge.
- Unmatched Power Density: Few engines produce this much horsepower while remaining compact and lightweight.
- Hypercar Performance with Real-World Usability: It can run on regular pump fuel while delivering extreme speed.
- Designed for Maximum Speed: Every component is built to handle high-stress conditions at 300+ mph.
- Setting New Engineering Standards: Pioneers the use of high-revving V8 technology in hypercars.
This is not just another supercar engine—it’s the future of combustion performance.
Conclusion: The Ultimate V8 Hypercar Engine
The SSC Tuatara engine is an engineering masterpiece, designed to push the limits of performance, speed, and technology.
With 1,750 HP, an 8,800 RPM redline, and the ability to power one of the fastest hypercars in history, this twin-turbo V8 stands as a testament to SSC North America’s innovation and expertise. It delivers extreme acceleration and top speeds that challenge the boundaries of automotive engineering.
