The McMurtry Spéirling is a single-seater, electric high-performance car produced by British automotive company McMurtry Automotive. Unveiled in 2021, it is notable for its compact size, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and a unique fan-driven downforce system that allows it to generate more downforce than its own weight even at standstill.
Etymology
The name "Spéirling" (pronounced "SPAIR-ling") is an Irish word meaning "thunderstorm" or "lightning," chosen to reflect the car's extreme performance and electric powertrain.
Development and Design
McMurtry Automotive was founded in 2016 by Sir David McMurtry, co-founder of Renishaw plc. The company's vision was to create a lightweight, compact electric vehicle that prioritized driving purity and extreme performance without relying solely on aerodynamic shapes for downforce at lower speeds.
The Spéirling is designed as a fully enclosed single-seater, resembling a scaled-down prototype racing car. Its most distinctive feature is its "fan-car" technology. Two large electric fans integrated into the rear of the car actively suck air from underneath the chassis, creating a low-pressure area that generates significant downforce. This system allows the car to produce a peak downforce of over 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) – more than its own weight – from 0 mph, providing immense grip and stability independent of vehicle speed. The car's low drag coefficient is also a result of this active downforce system, as it requires less aggressive aerodynamic elements.
The chassis is a carbon fibre monocoque, contributing to its remarkably low weight of under 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). It is powered by a bespoke electric powertrain developed in-house, featuring a compact battery pack and dual electric motors driving the rear wheels.
Performance
The Spéirling boasts extraordinary performance figures:
- Power Output: Over 1,000 horsepower (746 kW), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 1,000 hp per tonne.
- Acceleration: Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in under 1.5 seconds and 0 to 186 mph (0 to 300 km/h) in approximately 9 seconds.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 150 mph (241 km/h) due to the gearing chosen for optimal acceleration and track performance.
- Downforce: Exceeds 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) at peak, generated actively by its fan system.
Track Records
The McMurtry Spéirling gained significant international recognition for setting a new outright hillclimb record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2022. Driven by Max Chilton, it completed the iconic 1.16-mile (1.87 km) course in an astonishing 39.08 seconds, breaking the previous record of 39.90 seconds held by the Volkswagen I.D. R electric prototype since 2019. This achievement highlighted the car's exceptional acceleration, handling, and the effectiveness of its fan-driven downforce system.
Production
McMurtry Automotive announced a limited production run of 100 "Pure" track-focused versions of the Spéirling, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025. Each unit is priced at around £820,000 plus taxes. The company also intends to explore road-legal variants in the future.
See Also
- Fan car
- Goodwood Festival of Speed