Why the SSC Tuatara intake system develops 1,750 hp.

The engine takes in air, adds fuel, and compresses the mixture before ignition.

The more air and fuel that can be supplied to the engine in a given amount of time, the more power it can produce. In other words, for an engine to produce serious power, it needs a serious air intake system and fuel injection system. [Few engines in the production car world produce more power than the SSC Tuatara's twin-turbo 5.9-liter V-8.

In anticipation of the February 7 unveiling of the first production example of the all-American hypercar, SSC has released specific information about some of the engineering behind the car.

With record speeds and long circuit runs in mind, Tuatara's designers worked closely with Nelson Racing Engines, famous for the powerful engines often used in drag racing, and soon realized that cooling the intake air was just as important as increasing flow. They soon realized that cooling the intake air was just as important as increasing flow. Cooler air entering the engine intake means a denser, oxygenated air-fuel mix, which ultimately leads to higher horsepower. The solution was a dual water-air heat exchanger.

As for fuel, the addition of dual throttle bodies allows for more precise control of the air entering the engine, and thus the air-fuel mix; according to SSC, the ideal powerband of the engine is achieved through the shape and length of the intake runners, 16 Extensive work was done to ensure the precise positioning of the fuel injectors (eight primary and eight secondary), according to SSC.

According to SSC, Tuatara owners can expect 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds and a quarter mile in 9.75 seconds. A top speed has not yet been announced, but SSC is confident it will exceed 300 mph.

Stay tuned to learn more about this fascinating vehicle.