McMurtry Spéirling: Defying Gravity with Innovative Fan Downforce Technology
In a groundbreaking demonstration that can only be described as otherworldly, the McMurtry Spéirling has shown the world how to defy gravity through its cutting-edge fan downforce technology. This thrilling event took place at Swinhay House, the historic residence of McMurtry Automotive co-founder, David McMurtry, who left an indelible mark on the automotive industry before his passing in December 2024.
A Revolutionary Display of Engineering
The star of the show was the McMurtry Spéirling PURE Validation Prototype 1 (VP1), which took center stage on a specially designed platform. In a stunning display of engineering, the platform rotated 180 degrees, inverting the stationary vehicle without any support. Thanks to the immense ‘Downforce on Demand’ generated by a robust fan integrated into the Spéirling’s undercarriage, the car remained securely attached to the platform throughout the jaw-dropping maneuver. After a brief forward drive, the platform gracefully rotated back to its original position, proving the car’s unwavering grip and stability.
Watch the incredible feat here: YouTube Video.
Experiencing the Impossible: A Driver’s Perspective
At the helm of the Spéirling was Thomas Yates, co-founder and managing director of McMurtry Automotive. Amidst the excitement, he described the experience as a “fantastic day in the office.” Yates hinted at the possibility of more inverted demonstrations in the future, contingent on finding the right location and conditions to showcase this astonishing capability.
“Strapping in and driving inverted was a completely surreal experience,” Yates commented. “The 2000kg of downforce that the fan system can generate is truly astonishing to experience.” This powerful downforce is a testament to why the Spéirling continues to shatter records around the globe.
Yates also expressed the sentiment that this demonstration could be just the tip of the iceberg, suggesting the potential for longer inverted tracks or tunnels that would enable even more exhilarating performances.
Unmatched Performance: The Spéirling’s Record-Breaking Abilities
The engineering brilliance of the McMurtry Spéirling doesn’t stop at its gravity-defying demonstrations. According to the company, the vehicle’s 2,000 kg fan-driven downforce allows it to corner at an astonishing 3G, coupled with blistering acceleration that propels it to 60 mph in just 1.5 seconds. These features have enabled the Spéirling to set numerous prestigious speed records since its debut in 2023.
Most notably, the Spéirling recently smashed the Top Gear Test Track record by an incredible 3.1 seconds, overtaking a record previously held by the V10 Renault R24 Formula 1 car from 2004. The Spéirling also claims the outright record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb and the Laguna Seca Corkscrew Hillclimb record, further cementing its reputation as an engineering marvel.
The Future of the Spéirling: Exclusive Customer Deliveries
Anticipation is building as McMurtry Automotive announces that the first customer deliveries of the Spéirling PURE are set for 2026. These vehicles will boast a series of enhancements over the current prototype, including a more powerful 100 kWh battery pack constructed with P50B Molicel 21700 lithium-ion cells. This upgrade is designed to allow for 20-minute track sessions with multiple high-speed laps, a thrilling prospect for automotive enthusiasts.
With only 100 customer vehicles slated for production, each carrying a rumored price tag of $1 million, exclusivity is guaranteed. The McMurtry Spéirling is shaping up to be not just a car, but an icon of engineering excellence and innovation.
For further insights into automotive innovation and performance reviews, check out The Engineer and join us as we continue to explore the remarkable advancements in vehicle technology. The future of driving is indeed exhilarating with the McMurtry Spéirling leading the way!
