SSC Tuatara falls short of its previous record, impresses nonetheless

After facing controversy surrounding an allegedly fake record video, SSC has taken its 1,750-hp Tuatara hypercar out for another test run. The result landed it the title of world’s fastest production car – even though it never hit the promised 300 miles per hour (483 km/h).

On a specially prepared runway, the vehicle has managed to develop 450.1 km/h (279.7 mph) going in one direction and then 460.4 km/h (286.1 mph) going back, averaging 455.2 km/h (282.8 mph).

The previous speed record belonged to the Koenigsegg Agera RS, which hit 447.19 km/h (277.9 mph) in a straight line. This means that the Tuatara is now officially recognized as the world’s fastest-going production car.

The automaker’s next goal is to reach 483 km/h (300 mph). In an earlier attempt, the company had claimed hitting 509 km/h (316 mph), but was soon called out by fans who pointed out numerous discrepancies and inconsistencies in the video proof provided, such as surrounding landmarks moving too slowly for the claimed acceleration.