SSC Tuatara top speed record video generates controversy leading to statements from SSC, Dewetron

UPDATE: Jerod Shelby just announced in a video statement that SSC will re-run the record with the Tuatara in the "very near future." He cites the video controversy that is described in the post below.

“No matter what we do in the coming days to try to salvage this particular record, it’s always gonna have a stain on it … we have to re-run the record, we have to do this again,” Shelby says. “And do it in a way that it’s undeniable and irrefutable.”

You can find even more information about SSC's next attempt at our newest post here.

An internet controversy has been brewing around the SSC Tuatara’s record-setting top speed run, and it’s all to do with the video (which we've included further down in this story) of the supposed record run SSC released. The Tuatara went 331.15 mph in its fastest run in one direction and 301.07 mph in its second fastest run in the opposite direction, as required for top speed records. This resulted in the average top speed of 316.11 mph, giving the Tuatara the title of fastest production car, a speed that completely annihilates the previous record set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS.

This speed was recorded using Dewetron GPS measurement instruments, the same tools used by others in their top speed record attempts, including the SSC Ultimate Aero in 2007, a previous holder of the fastest production car title. It’s an incredibly precise tracking system that is well respected and relied upon for world records like this one. In addition to that, two independent officials were on site as witnesses.

The thing is, some YouTube and internet sleuths managed to find some inconsistencies with the video SSC released. Their methodology? Use the Koenigsegg Agera RS’s top speed run made on the exact same stretch of road outside Pahrump, Nev., to compare the two runs. By using landmarks to track the distance and time elapsed in the video between those landmarks, you can get a rough average speed estimate. This can then be compared to the telemetry data that SSC has conveniently overlaid on its video. Feel free to watch Shmee150’s video about this, where he does the math. In the end, the data and footage don't add up. The official video from SSC and Tuatara of the record run is below.

Not helping the situation was some confusion about whether or not Dewetron had independently verified the data gathered. Dewetron released a statement that confirms that the company hadn't examined the specific data, but that SSC did indeed use the company's recording system for the testing. The Dewetron statement is below.

"Despite the information published on the website of SSC North America as well as on several related and non-related YouTube channels, DEWETRON did not validate any data from world  record attempts or preceding tests. Nobody of DEWETRON’s employees was present during the test drive or involved in the associated preparations. Since the results of measurement data highly rely on the right setup, on the regular calibration of the systems and sensors in use as well as on many other parameters, we are not able to guarantee the accuracy or correctness of  the outcome. As of this moment, DEWETRON did not receive the measurement file of the test drive. As a result of the absence during the test drive paired with the missing data, DEWETRON is not able to make any further statements about the world record attempt under question.

"However, DEWETRON knows that SSC uses the company’s test and measurement system–just like many other customers worldwide. As a part of DEWETRON’s customer service, we deliver all our systems with extensive training for future users. In the case of SSC, this happened remotely. Nevertheless, this training only includes the general use of the system, the software as well as the initial configuration.The training does not include the creation of any setup related to any given test. DEWETRON is a manufacturer of DAQ systems–the correct use underlies its  customers. This means that our customers are responsible for all test setups including this one."

To get more clarification, we asked SSC if it could provide a response or explanation for what we’re seeing in the video. And it seems that the discrepancy came from a simple editing mistake, as Jerod Shelby explained in a long-winded official statement posted to the company's website. We’ve pasted much of this below, but you can find the full document here.

"On October 19, the day the news broke, we thought there were two videos that had been released -- one from the cockpit, with data of the speed run overlaid, and another video of b-roll running footage. The cockpit video was shared with Top Gear, as well as on the SSC and Driven+ YouTube pages.

"Somehow, there was a mixup on the editing side, and I regret to admit that the SSC team hadn’t double checked the accuracy of the video before it was released. We also hadn’t realized that not one, but two different cockpit videos existed, and were shared with the world.

"Hypercar fans have quickly cried foul, and we hadn’t immediately responded, because we had not realized the inconsistencies -- that there were two videos, each with inaccurate information -- that had been shared. This was not our intention. Like me, the head of the production team had not initially realized these issues, and has brought on technical partners to identify the cause of the inconsistency.

"At first glance, it appears that the videos released have differences in where the editors had overlaid the data logger (which displays speed), in relation to the car's location on the run. That variance in ‘sync points’ accounts for differing records of the run.

"While we had never intended for the video captured to play the role of legitimizing the run, we are regretful that the videos shared were not an accurate representation of what happened on October 10."

Driven Studios does have extensive footage of everything that transpired and is working with SSC to release the actual footage in its simplest form. We’ll share that as soon as it’s available.

So there you have it. There was a big misstep in the editing process, and so the video that was released didn't match the data. While that’s a big goof when we’re talking world records, it certainly doesn't invalidate the record, which as was previously reported, was done with independent witness to verify. In order to allay in any further suspicion, SSC is likely going to release the proper world record video soon. Not only that, but SSC says it’s currently in the process of submitting the Dewetron equipment and speed sensor for further analysis and verification of the equipment’s accuracy. And once the data is checked we should have a clear, final answer to the validity question.

Do check back to this story for updates, as we’ll keep adding them as we get them in real time until every last avenue has been explored.

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