The production version of the McMurtry Spéirling PURE has been revealed as a candidate for the ultimate track weapon, with the British startup claiming its single-seat, track-only electric vehicle (EV) delivers Formula 1-rivalling performance in a package designed to be far easier for owners to use.
After almost a decade of development, McMurtry says the customer-specification Spéirling PURE features 95 per cent new components compared with the prototypes that have broken records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Top Gear test track.
To put the McMurtry’s performance into perspective, its 39.08-second Goodwood hillclimb record is 2.5 seconds quicker than the fastest time set by a Formula 1 car – driven by Nick Heidfeld – and more than eight seconds faster than the quickest road-legal car, the $9 million track-focused Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear.
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Priced from £995,000 (A$1,917,250) before taxes and options, the car’s patented fan-assisted downforce system – which can generate up to 2000kg of downforce from a standstill – is claimed to allow the rear-wheel drive EV to corner and brake at up to 3g.
Power comes from twin electric motors producing 1000bhp (746kW), supplied by a new 100kWh battery pack using Molicel cells. McMurtry claims a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint time of just 1.55 seconds and a top speed of 305km/h.
Unlike the prototype, which used a 60kWh battery, the production car’s larger battery is designed to increase running time while supporting faster charging and greater regenerative braking. McMurtry hasn’t confirmed driving range or DC fast-charging figures, but states the EV can travel 40 to 50km at LMP2 (Le Mans race car) pace.
McMurtry has also redesigned the chassis around the bigger battery pack, stretching the wheelbase by 200mm while increasing cabin space and improving visibility.
The carbon-fibre monocoque has also been engineered to meet global motorsport safety standards, while wider doors, repositioned pillars, integrated lighting, and improved service access are all intended to make the car easier to own and operate.
The fan system has also been updated with new motors, more durable blades, and an onboard air compressor that allows the underbody skirt system to operate without the external air bottle required by earlier prototypes.
The result, according to the company, is consistent downforce regardless of speed, unlike conventional aerodynamic systems which rely on airflow over wings and diffusers.
The system also gives the electric hypercar an unusual soundtrack, with its twin fans spinning at up to 23,000rpm and producing a jet engine-like noise despite the absence of an internal combustion engine.
Further mechanical changes include new Helix electric motors, upgraded gearing, revised cooling, hydraulic power-assisted steering to repolace the previous electric system, wider Michelin slick tyres, and optional electronically adjustable dampers.
Inside, every Spéirling PURE receives a custom-moulded seat tailored to its owner, alongside a new multifunction steering wheel and central display showing battery status, fan settings, temperatures, and performance data.
McMurtry says a key focus for the production model has been reducing the complexity normally associated with extreme track cars.
Owners can reportedly operate the vehicle at track days with just one assistant, while DC fast-charging allows the battery to recharge from 20 to 95 per cent in 20 to 60 minutes depending on charger output.
An optional portable 100kWh battery pack is also available for charging at circuits without high-power infrastructure.
“The Spéirling PURE marks the beginning of a new era in track driving with mind-bending performance to suit all levels of owner, from weekend enthusiasts to professional drivers,” said McMurtry co-founder and managing director Thomas Yates.
“In production form, the car is significantly more usable, but no less outrageous.
“In terms of exhilaration, grip, acceleration, sound, aesthetics and technology, we offer something that no other manufacturer is able to.”
The Spéirling PURE will make its first public appearance in production form at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over July 9-12 before its North American debut at The Quail in California on August 14.
Production is underway at McMurtry’s new factory in England’s Cotswolds region, with first customer deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.
McMurtry Spéirling PURE specs:
|
Acceleration |
0-60mph in 1.55 seconds (with one-foot roll out) |
|---|---|
|
Cornering | Braking Forces |
3g | 3g |
|
Top speed |
305km/h |
|
Downforce |
Up to 2000kg from 0km/h |
|
Power |
746kW |
|
Length |
3815mm |
|
Width |
1795mm |
|
Height |
1056mm |
|
Wheelbase |
2200mm |
|
Run distance |
40-50km at LMP2 race car pace |
|
Charge Time 20%-95% |
20-60 minutes depending on ambient temperature and charger capacity |
|
Driver aids |
Traction control and anti-lock braking system |
|
Driver Comfort |
Air-conditioning (optional), custom moulded seat, adjustable pedals and steering wheel |
|
Tyres |
Off-the-shelf Michelin slicks (available worldwide): |
|
Brakes |
390mm x 34mm vented carbon ceramic discs with Brembo six-piston calipers |
|
Personalisation options |
Extensive exterior and interior options |
|
Chassis and bodywork |
Carbon composite, single seat, closed cockpit |
|
Battery |
100kWh Lithium-Ion, Molicel P50B NCA 21700 cells |
|
Drive Configuration |
Twin-motor, rear-wheel drive with E-differential |
|
Weight |
~1350kg, subject to options |
|
Trackside operation |
By driver + technician/competent friend, or full factory |
|
Competition eligibility |
GT1 Sports Club, Global Time Attack (USA), European |