Did the SSC Tuatara REALLY Set a 331mph World Record?

The SSC Tuatara claims to be the fastest car in the world, having recently hit a reported world record top speed for a production car of 331mph! However, the official video of the run poses many questions that introduce an element of doubt, so let's investigate and determine if everything is what it seems...

SSC report that on 10th October, 2020, the Tuatara in production specification form broke a top speed record with one direction at 331.15mph and the other at 301.07mph for an average of 316.1mph - beating the previous record of the Koenigsegg Agera RS by 38.2mph (from 277.9mph). The runs took place on the very same road, the Nevada Highway 160 from the intersection with Tecopa Road with the Tuatara's fastest direction heading South-East towards Las Vegas and the slow speed on the return.

After plenty of time spent viewing the videos and analysing the data presented from the run so far, let's calculate whether it's possible and investigate further into these numbers. There are a number of areas that don't quite add up; from the time travelling between the fixed medians on the road and the painted street markings, to the dashboard and telemetry data being out of sync, and also on the technical side with the engine and gearbox configuration.

A further topic of discussion not mentioned is the noticeable lag between the shift points recorded by the telemetry data which can simply be seen coming a few seconds delayed in comparison to the visual cues of the shift and rev counter, plus the audible sound of the RPMs.

This video asks questions, based on the information given so far. If there are answers, it would be fantastic to hear them and the accompanying data that lines up to prove that the record has indeed been broken.

Thanks to Jey, Matt, Kaare, Robert, Misha and many more for their involvement.

FACTUAL CORRECTION: The rear tyre setup is 345, not 335 which produces a maximum 6th gear speed of 477.67 km/h - 296.15 mph, 3mph faster than suggested.

Information and data sources:

BBC Top Gear 331mph Record video:

SSC Tuatara vs Koenigsegg Agera RS head to head video:

Start location for the run:

Oli Webb confirming 6th gear for the run:

Comparative Data:

Koenigsegg Agera RS 271.19mph in 5th Oct 2017
Average run speed of 277.9mph
Slower run SE, faster run NW of 284.55mph

SSC Tuatara 331.15mph on 10th Oct 2020
Average run speed of 316.1mph
Faster run SE, slower run NW of 301.07mph

Median Comparisons:

Start to 1st median
Distance: 1.69km / 1.05m
Time: 38.18s = 99.5mph avg

1st to 2nd median
Distance: 1.81km / 1.13m
Time: 22.64s = 179.7mph avg
Entry at 192mph, exit at 307mph

2nd to 3rd median
Distance: 2.28km / 1.42m
Time: 28.24s including a pause
Pause is 3:82
Total time: 24.40s = 209.5mph avg
Entry at 307mph, exit at 242mph

1st to 3rd
Total excluding the pause is 47.39s = 195mph
Entry at 194mph, exit at 242mph, 331mph along the way

Thanks for watching, Tim

[mgcharoudin]

I admire your research and dedication that I witnessed to this topic in the last 48 hours. But what I admire more is you actually publishing it and not being afraid to offend someone. Not the Shmee150 we're used to. Please go on.


If you're trying to be friends with everyone, then you're an enemy to yourself.

[effspot]

I'm digging InvestigativeShmee150, great video and for having the guts to post it. Well done Tim.

[FROSHTVReL]

Came for SSC Exposed, left with the solution for my math Homework.

[jacob]

alternate title: destroying a company's reputation in 20 minutes

[loggerhead]

Hypercar company: sets new record

One brit boi: *quick maths*

[BenilJoseph]

Destroying SSC with the most calming and charming voice ever

[EngineeringExplained]

This was great! Very good information and analysis Tim! Initial impression is that the only realistic explanation (if it exists) is the video not matching the actual final run. Maybe they forgot to hit the record button? As for the gearing issue, I wonder (haven't ran the numbers yet) how much the rear tire diameter would have to expand (from g-forces) to match the target top speed. Maybe it's possible (for example with top fuel cars, though a significantly different tire, you can see the diameter of the tire changed dramatically during a run). I'd assume there would be a little expansion, though obviously no where near as much as you'd see in top fuel. Bigger diameter would mean your actual speed would be higher than speedometer reads.

[AdamC]

Pulled it out of the bag with this one. Quite the eye opener to the world

[AlexChoi]

Hey Tim, have you ever thought about quitting your youtubing job and becoming a detective? I mean, you might make less money but a whole lot of unsolved crimes would get solved. All jokes aside, amazing work, amazing video.

[DeeperImageAutomotive]

This is one of the best automotive investigative journalism pieces that I’ve ever seen. Everyone was quick to promote the record and not really question it. Well done, Tim. This is next level and why I love your channel. True inspiration.

[autonewstv]

*The pure amount of verified accounts in these replies shows the pure respect Shmee gets in the entire community* 🤯

[DragTimes]

well Top Gear was involved, so.... maybe they used numbers from next year....

[SavageGarage]

Great video brother! This is certainly a confusing developing story. The facts that you presented make if very hard to dispute. What a sad day for the automotive community. Now the question is why did they do

[Meatwad.Baggins]

Engineers: We built a 280 mph car!😀
Boss : Its a 331 mph car. 😐
Engineers : But its....
Boss : 331 MPH CAR!!! 😡

[evans_northwest]

Any car company claiming a record better hope Shmee doesn’t get bored.

[WatchJRGo]

The only unexpected plot twist of 2020 🤯

[bardia]

Interestingly, Shmee’s approximation of the actual speed in the video was pretty damn close to the actual rerun speed they achieved just recently. Hats off to you sir!

[NickXAux]

SSC: We broke the record!
YouTube: "Hiiii guys im shmee"

[RobertMitchell]

Great to see this Tim, I know putting something like this out was a huge weight on your shoulders. Thank you for looking after the car community and putting your thoughts out there. We are in a time where the lines are blurred between what social media wants us to see and what reality is. Its great to see Shmee150 supporting all of the cool things coming in the car world but even better to see you standing up for the questionable actions that may get lost in the hype! Nice work man!

[RemoveBeforeRace]

Very well put together Tim! Learnt a lot here, and bravo for having the guts to put it out.