October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Is the SSC Tuatara the Fastest Car Ever Made? The Records, Explained

SSC's Tuatara has a documented 282.9 mph two-way average and a separate 295 mph top-speed result. The record formats matter when judging whether it is the fastest car ever.
Entry413 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The SSC Tuatara has a documented 282.9 mph two-way average from 2021 and a separate 295.0 mph top-speed result from 2022. Those are remarkable figures, but they are not interchangeable—and neither establishes that the Tuatara is the fastest vehicle ever made in every category. The answer depends on what counts as a production car, how speed is measured, and whether the record is a two-way average or a single-direction peak.

What speed records does the SSC Tuatara actually have?

SSC North America lists two distinct results. On January 17, 2021, the Tuatara recorded a 282.9 mph (455.3 km/h) two-way average at Kennedy Space Center. On May 14, 2022, it reached a separately recorded top speed of 295.0 mph (474.8 km/h). The first is an average across runs in opposite directions; the second is a top-speed figure, not a two-way average.

Result What it measures Measurement details published by SSC
282.9 mph (455.3 km/h), January 17, 2021 Two-way average; component runs were 279.7 mph northbound and 286.1 mph southbound. SSC says Racelogic measured and verified the runs using a VBOX 3i 100Hz GNSS system, stated to be accurate to ±0.06 mph. SSC records page.
295.0 mph (474.8 km/h), May 14, 2022 A top-speed result, not a two-way average. SSC says dual VBOX GNSS systems and a Life Racing GPS unit were used, with a Racelogic technician and an independent analyst present. SSC’s May 25, 2022 release.

For a like-for-like comparison with another two-way record, 282.9 mph is the relevant Tuatara figure. The 295.0 mph result is useful as a measured top speed, but comparing it directly with a two-way average would mix different record formats.

So, is it the fastest car ever made?

Not without defining “fastest.” SSC describes the 282.9 mph result as a production-car record, and its records page documents the measurement details. That supports a carefully scoped statement about SSC’s production-car two-way-average claim; it does not prove an all-category title covering every vehicle, prototype, modified car, or record format.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
TOKAXI 1/36 Scale Lamborghini Revuelto Diecast Cars Models,Pull Back Vehicles Lamborghini Revuelto Toy Cars,Cars Gifts for Boys Girls
  • High-Quality Materials:The Lamborghini Revuelto Die-cast Car is made of zinc alloy,plastic parts and rubber tires,making it safe for children to play with.It features detailed interior and exterior trim, and is very sturdy.
  • Function:No batteries are required, but the vehicle has a powerful pull back feature. Simply pull it back, then release your hand, and the car will go for a long distance. The doors may be opened to view the whole inside of the vehicle. So appealing to children and collectors alike.
  • Size:1/36 scale vehicle model with beautiful English packaging,ideal for toddlers to play with and carry. Car collectors will appreciate the perfect small size, which allows them to collect a complete set of cars without taking up too much space.
  • Grow From Play:Help children learn more about car ,expand their knowledge ,increase the hand-eye coordination and the reaction speed of the children in the play.
  • Ideal Christmas Festival Gift:All of TOKAXI die-cast model cars are attractively packaged in English, making them the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift for kids, party favors, home decorations, or travel toys for boys and girls.gifts for boys girls.

A fair comparison should identify whether the number is a two-way average or one-way peak, whether the vehicle was a production road car or a prototype, who measured the run, and whether it was a completed test or only a projected capability. The Tuatara’s 2021 and 2022 numbers answer different questions, so a single headline ranking can obscure important distinctions.

Why the 2020 speed claim is often mentioned

The Tuatara was previously associated with a 316.11 mph two-way claim from October 2020. The originating article says SSC withdrew that claim after it could not verify the data; that withdrawal account is secondary reporting, not the substantiation for the later runs. The 2021 Racelogic-supported result and the 2022 instrumented top-speed result should be treated as separate, later records. The original article’s account of the 2020 claim provides the context.

Rank #2
Maisto 1:24 Assembly Line LaFerrari Aperta - Black Large
  • Authentic 1:24 scale Ferrari model kit
  • Die-cast metal body with plastic parts
  • Opening doors and engine cover
  • Screwdriver included
  • No glue or paint needed

What makes the Tuatara capable of such speeds?

SSC’s 2022 release describes a twin-turbocharged 5.9-liter V8 rated by the manufacturer at 1,750 hp on E85 or methanol and 1,350 hp on 91-octane fuel. SSC also specifies a CIMA seven-speed transmission working with an Automac AMT system. These are manufacturer-stated specifications, not independently measured output figures.

Jerod Shelby, SSC’s founder and CEO, said the acceleration through 295 mph suggested the car had not reached its ceiling. That is the manufacturer’s interpretation of the run, not evidence of a verified higher speed or a theoretical maximum. SSC’s release includes his statement and the test details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Maisto 1:24 Scale Assembly Line Lamborghini Aventador Coupe
  • These highly detailed kits come with everything you need to build them including the screwdriver.
  • Opening parts, Rolling Wheels
  • Easy assembly, Pre-painted metal body
  • When finished the vehicles are fully functional
  • Rolling die-cast replica
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Can you buy an SSC Tuatara?

SSC directs prospective owners to its sales and dealer channels. Its official materials describe the Tuatara and Tuatara Striker as available through SSC and dealers, while the Aggressor is track-only. Availability, inventory, pricing, and delivery timing can change, so contact SSC for current information rather than relying on older price or production estimates. Start at SSC North America’s official site or consult its Tuatara Striker and Aggressor overview.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Maisto 1:24 Assembly Line LaFerrari Aperta - Black Large
Maisto 1:24 Assembly Line LaFerrari Aperta - Black Large
Authentic 1:24 scale Ferrari model kit; Die-cast metal body with plastic parts; Opening doors and engine cover
$32.71
SaleBestseller No. 3
Maisto 1:24 Scale Assembly Line Lamborghini Aventador Coupe
Maisto 1:24 Scale Assembly Line Lamborghini Aventador Coupe
Opening parts, Rolling Wheels; Easy assembly, Pre-painted metal body; When finished the vehicles are fully functional
$18.59
Rank #4
OANMYJJO Car Toys for Boys 1/18 Diecast Model Cars for Boys SVJ 63
  • 【1 18 Scale Die Cast Metal Toy Cars】The finely crafted die cast model cars will be presented to you as a 1:18 scale metal model cars.For modelers, it will be full of surprises!Metal model cars size:L×W×H:10.83×5.12×2.56(inches),weight:1.61Ib.
  • 【Sturdy Durable Diecast Cars】Die cast cars are made of zinc alloy + ABS plastic, zinc alloy body, ABS plastic interior and chassis, rubber tires.Because the car is die-cast, it can withstand more playtime. You can also rest assured that our big toy cars undergo rigorous quality testing and are CPC and CPSIA certified.Toy cars for boys age 3
  • 【Multi Function Diecast Toy Cars】The front wheels can be linked to the steering wheel to turn left and right, and all four wheels are equipped with shock absorbers. Doors, front hood can be opened, rear hood can be removed. Use the auxiliary screwdriver included in the front hood and follow the arrows on the rear hood to open the rear hood.The seats slide and the roof is removable.Cars for kids ages 3.
  • 【Cool Lighting and Realistic Sound Effects】The toy cars feature cool lights and realistic sound effects.There is a three-position switch on the bottom of the car, which is static, constant light and sound and light.That can be triggered by pressing the front wheel, opening the door and pressing the steering wheel.The cool exterior design combined with the layered lines of the body will make it an ideal choice for car modeling enthusiasts.Can decorate both men's and boys' rooms.
  • 【Collectible Cars Diecast Model Cars Full of Surprises】Not only for your own collection, but also as a special gift for your family and friends. 1 /18 scaledie cast metal toy cars gift will not only entertain your kids, but also teach them about cars and improve their hands-on skills. Especially as a gift for Christmas, Children's Day, Father's Day or Birthday. Adults can use it as a decoration or ornament, put it in the car or display cabinet at home, it becomes a piece of art.Cars for kids ages 3.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.