The British-built McMurtry Spéirling electric fan car electrified (pun intended) crowds at the Laguna Seca Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb on August 11th, claiming two new records and maintaining its undefeated streak in competition. This marked the car’s dynamic debut in the US, a fitting stage for a vehicle pushing the boundaries of electric performance.
At the wheel was Max Chilton, a former F1 and IndyCar driver who also piloted the Spéirling to victory at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He tamed the iconic Corkscrew corner, driven in reverse for the hillclimb, in a record-breaking 28.6 seconds on the longer layout. This time handily beat the previous record of 34.69 seconds set by a 1976 Lotus Type 77 Formula One car, a testament to the Spéirling’s superior grip and power.
The McMurtry‘s secret weapon lies in its innovative fan downforce system. Unlike traditional cars that rely on aerodynamics at speed to generate downforce, the Spéirling utilizes onboard fans to suck itself onto the track from a standstill. This translates to phenomenal grip in corners and lightning-fast acceleration, as evidenced by the car’s mind-boggling 4,400 pounds of downforce.
The 2024 Laguna Seca Hillclimb also introduced a shorter course, where the Spéirling once again proved its dominance. Chilton secured another record with a blistering 21.958-second run, leaving competitors like a 1967 Ford Falcon and a 2022 Ferrari SF90 in its dust.
Following this successful US debut, McMurtry will be showcasing the Spéirling at a series of events throughout Monterey Car Week. This includes private customer test drives, public appearances, and a demonstration lap on the full Laguna Seca circuit.
The Spéirling isn’t just about record-breaking; it’s about making this level of performance accessible. McMurtry offers the Spéirling PURE, a track-focused variant of the car with selectable drive modes ranging from GT3 to F1-like power.
“The McMurtry Spéirling PURE utilises the same unique downforce-on-demand system to provide exceptional downforce and grip right from 0mph,” the company explains. “The 1000bhp electric powertrain offers selectable performance drive modes from GT3 to F1 and IndyCar levels pace.”
This focus on accessibility aligns with McMurtry’s broader mission. “To make record-breaking performance accessible to track driving enthusiasts,” they state. “To bring back legendary fan car technology. To restore passion for small and lightweight cars.”
The McMurtry Spéirling is a revolutionary electric vehicle that bridges the gap between motorsport innovation and accessibility. With its record-breaking performance, innovative technology, and focus on driver experience, the Spéirling is poised to redefine the future of electric performance cars. For those lucky enough to own one, it promises an exhilarating track experience unlike any other.
