If you've ever wondered what it would be like to drive a car with Formula 1-style performance, the new McMurtry Spéirling Pure comes incredibly close.
The British-built electric hypercar has officially entered production and has claimed the title of the world's fastest accelerating production car. It can sprint from 0-60mph in just 1.5 seconds, making it quicker off the line than any road-going production vehicle before it.
The Spéirling Pure is designed purely for the track and costs £995,000 before taxes and optional extras.
Built to break records
McMurtry first attracted worldwide attention in 2022 when its Spéirling prototype set a new record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb.
Now, after more than 10 years of development and thousands of kilometres of testing, the company has revealed the final production version.
Although it looks similar to the original prototype, McMurtry says around 95% of the components are new, making this far more than just an updated version.
Formula 1 performance for track-day drivers
The Spéirling Pure has been designed to give drivers a taste of Formula 1 levels of performance without needing professional racing experience.
Alongside its incredible acceleration, it can:
Reach a top speed of 190mph
Generate up to 3g of cornering and braking force
Produce 2,000kg of downforce from 0mph
Deliver exceptional grip through its unique fan-powered downforce system
Instead of relying on speed to generate aerodynamic grip, two powerful fans create a vacuum beneath the car, effectively sucking it onto the track. This gives the Spéirling outstanding levels of grip, even at low speeds.
Bigger battery and more power
The production model has received a number of significant upgrades over the prototype.
Its battery capacity has increased from 60kWh to 100kWh, while new Helix electric motors provide even more torque. McMurtry has also upgraded the gearbox and regenerative braking system to improve performance and efficiency on track.
Despite being slightly larger than before, the car remains incredibly lightweight and focused on performance.
A more practical racing cockpit
The cabin has also been improved to make the car easier to live with during track days.
Drivers now benefit from:
- More legroom and elbow room
- Easier access in and out of the car
- A small storage compartment beneath the rear wing for a racing helmet
- A bespoke steering wheel inspired by Formula 1 cars
- A central display showing battery charge, power output and vehicle temperatures
The driver's seat is custom-moulded to fit each owner, helping provide maximum comfort and support during high-speed driving.
Track-ready safety features
Although it isn't designed for the road, the Spéirling Pure includes several features that make it suitable for organised track events.
These include:
- LED headlights with main beam
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Hazard warning lights
- Electronic power steering tuned to deliver Formula 1-style feedback
Unlike many electric cars, the Spéirling also produces a distinctive sound that resembles a jet engine rather than the near-silent operation most EVs are known for.
Where can you drive it?
The Spéirling Pure has been built exclusively for use on racing circuits.
Owners can use it during track days or enter competitive events, including:
- Global Time Attack in the United States
- European Attack Masters at Germany's Nürburgring
- GT1 Sports Club events
McMurtry also offers a factory support programme to help owners transport, maintain and run the car at circuits around the world.
Fast charging keeps you on track
The Spéirling can recharge its battery from 20% to 95% in as little as 20 minutes, depending on charger power and ambient temperature.
For circuits without high-speed charging, McMurtry has also developed a portable battery system capable of delivering up to 120kW of charging power. The unit can be recharged from a standard three-phase power supply commonly found in pit garages.
Price and debut
The McMurtry Spéirling Pure costs £995,000 (around $1.3 million or €1.15 million) before local taxes, delivery costs and optional extras.
It will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 9-12 July before making its full public production debut at The Quail in Monterey, California, on 14 August.
With record-breaking acceleration, Formula 1-inspired technology and cutting-edge electric performance, the McMurtry Spéirling Pure is one of the most extreme track cars ever built. It may not be road legal, but for those who can afford it, it promises one of the fastest driving experiences money can buy.