SSC’s hypercar compatible with synthesized methanol

In Washington state, SSC North America expands flexible-fuel capabilities of its powertrain assembly to meet the alternative fuel opportunities of road-legal and performance vehicles, integrating a synthesized methanol catalyst as a standard fuel option in all Tuatara models, as well as future exploration for use in the next-generation of SSC performance vehicles.

After the release of the SSC V8 in August 2018, the flexible-fuel capabilities of the Tuatara’s powerplant allowed for 1,750 horsepower while operating on E85 ethanol and 1,350 horsepower on 91 octane gasoline, making it the most powerful hypercar in its class at that time. In the years since, SSC North America has continued to analyze changes in industry standards, emissions fundamentals, and technological growth in energy sciences.

The integration of the fuel requires almost no alterations to the SSC 5.9L V8’s already established flex fuel system and sensors and allows the developed powerplants already deployed on the production line of Tuataras to meet greater sustainability standards. 

The flex fuel sensing capabilities of the SSC powertrain gives the owner the ability to operate their Tuatara on a variety of gasoline-ethanol mixes, gasoline-methanol mixes, or straight 91 octane, ethanol, or methanol. This standard ability in all Tuatara models that come off the factory floor allows the operator to choose fuel based on fuel economy, performance, or accessibility to different fuels. The increasing demand for methanol as a vehicle fuel is making it more accessible across the globe as countries integrate it as a conventional fuel source for public transportation fleets and public fuel pumps. Additionally, SSC North America plans to offer exclusive packages to Tuatara owners that provide shipment of fuel and other essential elements directly to their garage or racetrack through partnerships between SSC and performance fuel brands.