McMurtry Automotive has launched the production version of its record-breaking electric track car, the Spéirling Pure. This single-seat hypercar offers performance close to Formula 1 cars, thanks to its powerful engine.
McMurtry, founded in 2016 by British engineer Sir David McMurtry, based the Spéirling Pure on a prototype from 2021. That prototype made headlines last year as the first car to drive upside down.
Gravity-Defying Design
The production Spéirling Pure can still drive upside down. It creates more than 4,409 pounds (2,000 kg) of downforce, which is more than its own weight. This is possible due to McMurtry's special fan-based "Downforce-on-Demand" system. This system provides full downforce even when the car is not moving.
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Start Your News DetoxTo achieve this, the system uses two high-speed fans that spin up to 23,000 rpm. These fans work with an extended skirt system under the car, effectively "sucking" it to the road. It's like a powerful vacuum cleaner.
The fans pull air from under the chassis and push it out the back. This creates instant and strong grip. With the fans at full speed, the Spéirling Pure can handle 3 Gs during turns and braking. This level of grip changes what we thought was possible for mechanical grip.
The production model has new fan blades for better durability. It also features improved fan motors and cooling. An onboard air compressor for the skirt system is new, too. This compressor lets the driver lift the skirt, which is helpful when loading the car or driving slowly.
Power and Performance
The production Spéirling Pure has a larger 100-kWh battery pack, an upgrade from the prototype's 60-kWh unit. To fit this battery, McMurtry extended the car's wheelbase from 78.7 inches (1,999 mm) to 86.6 inches (2,200 mm). This makes the car 150.2 inches (3,815 mm) long overall. Even with this increase, it's still shorter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The bigger battery also adds weight. The Spéirling Pure is now about 665 pounds (301 kg) heavier than the 2,315-pound (1,050 kg) prototype.
Despite the added weight, the battery allows the car to cover 25 to 31 miles (40 to 50 km) at maximum LMP2 race pace. Charging from 20% to 95% takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on conditions.
Two electric motors power the rear wheels, delivering 986 hp. This allows the car to go from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in a quick 1.55 seconds. The cooling system has been moved to the front for better efficiency and airflow.
McMurtry says 95% of the components are new. The goal was to create a "plug-and-play" track car that a driver and one assistant can set up. The carbon-fiber body has been improved with better suspension and hydraulic power steering. Electronically adjustable dampers increase the ride height by about 20%. Wider Michelin tires and better regenerative braking are standard. Easy-access panels make servicing simpler.
This level of engineering was once thought impossible for a production car. Only 100 units of the Spéirling Pure will be made. Each car will be handcrafted and customized for its owner at McMurtry's workshop in the Cotswolds, England.
The car costs £995,000 (about US$1.3 million) plus tax. Owners can choose custom wheels, paint colors, graphics, and interior finishes.
The Spéirling Pure can compete in events like the GT1 Sports Club, Global Time Attack in the US, and Time Attack Masters in Europe. It will also be shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Deep Dive & References: McMurtry Spéirling production form - McMurtry Automotive
