GUTTER CREDITSweight of only 2,750 pounds and aerodynamics
that boast a .279 drag coefficient (put in perspec-
tive, the closest competition measures in at .33).
“I would be lying if I didn’t say that the foun-
dation of the design specifications for the Tua-
tara was based around assuring that SSC will
be positioned to regain the world record for
top speed,” Shelby admits. “We have spent an
immense amount of time during the develop-
ment cycle on drivetrain and gearbox durability,
gear ratios and, specifically, on the intake pas-
sages of the car, with the ultimate goal of achiev-
ing 312 mph.”
Whether or not Tuatara tops the competition,
it has already been a victory for the man behind
it. A mechanical engineer, Shelby first steered
his talent for problem-solving toward the medi-cal field. “I cofounded a medical-device company
and invented several proprietary ultrasound
technologies for the early detection of breast
cancer,” says Shelby. “During those 10 years, I
couldn’t shake the constant thought of chasing
my lifelong dream to design and build my own
super-sports car, so I licensed off the patents for
my inventions and walked away, crazy enough to
start what would become SSC North America.”
The Tuatara will be limited to 100 examples and
have $1.6 million as its base price.“I decided to bring aerospace
and fighter-jet appearance and
performance to the street.”
ROBBREPORT.COM 97
The Need for Speedweight of only 2,750 pounds and aerodynamics
that boast a .279 drag coefficient (put in perspec-
tive, the closest competition measures in at .33).
“I would be lying if I didn’t say that the foun-
dation of the design specifications for the Tua-
tara was based around assuring that SSC will
be positioned to regain the world record for
top speed,” Shelby admits. “We have spent an
immense amount of time during the develop-
ment cycle on drivetrain and gearbox durability,
gear ratios and, specifically, on the intake pas-
sages of the car, with the ultimate goal of achiev-
ing 312 mph.”
Whether or not Tuatara tops the competition,
it has already been a victory for the man behind
it. A mechanical engineer, Shelby first steered
his talent for problem-solving toward the medi-
cal field. “I cofounded a medical-device company
and invented several proprietary ultrasound
technologies for the early detection of breast
cancer,” says Shelby. “During those 10 years, I
couldn’t shake the constant thought of chasing
my lifelong dream to design and build my own
super-sports car, so I licensed off the patents for
my inventions and walked away, crazy enough to
start what would become SSC North America.”
The Tuatara will be limited to 100 examples and
have $1.6 million as its base price.“I decided to bring aerospace
and fighter-jet appearance and
performance to the street.”
ROBBREPORT.COM 97
The Need for Speed