Shelby's Tuatara Makes Its FIRST Appearance At Pebble, Is It A STUD or DUD?

Here we go. Yet again we have another super, high-performance coupe that is going after the Bugatti Veyron's speed record.

Although this manufacturer is different. Shelby Super Cars actually did conquer Bugatti for a period of time with its first product, the Ultimate Aero TT. However, there was one problem with that product -- it looked like a kit car, and to be quite honest not good.

With that said, SSC went after a specific designer who has been known to pen controversial designs and implement mind-bending aerodynamic treatments. The new Tuatara is not an exception from Jason Castriota's hand.

Known for being the man behind the look of the Bertone Mantide, Pininfarina P4/5 and the Saab Phoenix concept, you can see all of those elements popping up in SSC's latest and greatest. Take, for example, the P4/5-inspired roofline, or how about the Phoenix's aerodynamic buttresses, and the icing on the cake: The aggressive-looking headlights that evoke the Mantide.

Looking forward, the Tuatara is suppose to be powered by a large displacement, forced induction V8 producing around 1,300 horsepower, with expectations of weight coming in under 2,700 pounds. Top speed is expected to be upwards of 275 mph.

Taking all of these elements into consideration, we want to know: Is this car a STUD or a DUD?


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Joe_Limon - 8/23/2011 10:08:20 AM

+2 Boost

Very slick looking car, it's a shame it has such an unfortunate name.

Joe_Limon - 8/23/2011 12:49:08 PM

+1 Boost

*sigh* here it comes again

Joe Limon is an alias, Joe standing for an average ordinary person, limon being a mix of lemon and lime, corresponding roughly to something fresh, new and exciting. Together representing an average person doing new and exciting things.

Now what's your alias? Point a to b? So your name implies what? That your only interest in vehicles deals with their ability to transport you from one point to another?

veyron1001 - 8/23/2011 1:30:34 PM

0 Boost

Dud. Its a kit car with a twin turbo crate motor.

Joe_Limon - 8/23/2011 1:47:01 PM

+2 Boost

If it's a kit car, what platform is it based off of? Also, where can you buy the motor that SSC modified?

abqhudson - 8/23/2011 8:50:32 PM

+2 Boost

Stud. That rear view sure looks ballsy to me.

zxmjkxz - 8/26/2011 1:04:12 AM

+1 Boost

its ok... if it kicks ass then it can look whatever it wants to..

lemmyb2 - 8/26/2011 12:17:24 PM

+1 Boost

Whats with those wings? They look pathetic. It will be interesting to see how they will manage to keep this from going airborne with all that power.
Somehow lacks the aura of the Veyron too....