VOLUME IV / ISSUE VI / JUNE 2020
HIGH SOCIETY
WE’RE READY FOR YOU,
TUATARA
HIGH SOCIETY
MICHAEL J. SNELL Luxury Lifestyles Contributor
W
hen it comes to being a ‘leader in class’ many strive to achieve, but few actually do just that. When SSC set out to design and further produce what they hope to be a record-breaking hyper-car nearly a decade ago, no one could have imagined that the outcome would have been… well, so sexy. The Tuatara is a 1,750-horsepower culmination of research and development that has led to a high-performing vehicle capable of delivering an otherworldly driving experience. Designed by Jason Castriota, who has page 96
been notably accredited for his longtime automotive designs, the SSC’s design emulates Castriota’s brilliance as the body shape and aerodynamics take notes of influence from that of fighter jets. The goal of its presence was to create a bond between futuristic and function, hitting hard on a striking design. It, unto itself, screams “Limitless.” The 2020 Tuatara, which was showcased at the first client reveal event presented by Manhattan Motor Cars, had both mouths dropping and palms sweating. The handpicked crowd of select buyers, influencers and enthusiasts entered to see the Pearlescent Black aerospace-grade carbon body (which left them speechless) while both Castriota and Manhattan Motor Cars Owner, Brian Miller highlighted the vehicle’s features to guests.
Starting at $1,625,000, but potentially reaching closer to just under $2 million, especially when fully equipped and including the must-have High Downforce Track Pack, true adrenaline junkies smirked amongst the crowd as they heard Tuatara’s body also features an active rear wing which lowers as the car’s speed increases. “Not only does the car boast a class-leading 0.279 drag co-efficient,” explained Castriota. “But it also maintains an identical aero balance from 100 mph to well over 300 mph.” Under the hood, well, actually it’s a rear-positioned, the Tuatara features a V8 Nelson Racing Engine. Industrywide, Nelson is known for high-output performance and, in this case, it goes without saying that Nelson makes an obvious choice given that SSC has their eye on achieving hyper-car speed