SSC North America recently announced plans for an entry-level model known as the “Little Brother,” but that isn’t the only new vehicle on the horizon. Speaking with Motor Authority, SSC CEO Jerod Shelby revealed the company is working on an electrified version of the Tuatara that will be equipped with front-mounted electric hub motors. This would give the model all-wheel drive as well as a boost in performance. While there’s no word on specifications, Shelby told the publication that “electrification of the car will make it a more well-rounded vehicle.” He added that it will also help to improve the vehicle’s acceleration and dynamics.
Despite being based on the Tuatara, the
electrified model might wear a different name when it reaches production. While
nothing has been decided, the company will only offer a “small production run”
and the model won’t be included in the limited run of 125 Tuataras. There’s no
word on when the model will arrive, but development is already underway and it
will presumably use a familiar 5.9-liter V8 engine that develops up to 1,750 hp when running on E85 or Methanol. The mighty powertrain
recently enabled the Tuatara to hit a top speed of 475 km/h at the
Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds in Florida.
In other news, Shelby said the Tuatara
Striker will make its public debut at the The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
this August. The model was originally announced last year, alongside the
track-only Tuatara Aggressor. The Striker draws inspiration from multirole
strike fighter aircraft and has been equipped with an extensive aerodynamics
package which includes an active rear wing as well as a fixed wing with
vertical stabilizers. They’re joined by a front splitter, dive planes, aerodynamic
side skirts and a protruding diffuser. Thanks to all of these modifications,
downforce has been increased three fold to approximately 499 kg at 257 km/h.