Compact, powerful, innovative electric supercar
The world of motoring has seen its fair share of surprises, but none quite as surprising as this electrifying force of nature I'm about to introduce you to. Now, if you've been skulking around Gambon corner on the Top Gear test track, you might've come across this underdog tucked away in a dusty, disused hangar. An odd place to find what might be the blueprint for the future of British supercars, track days, and motorsport.
Its name is McMurtry Spéirling, Irish for ‘thunderstorm,' which is just about perfect for this little tempest. It's a single-seater that might initially be mistaken for a goth's roller skate or a shrunken Keaton-era Batmobile, hiding comfortably in the shadow of a Caterham. Yet, inside its compact shell, there's more room than you'd think for a sprightly 6ft-plus driver, laying back as though piloting a personal submarine. It's pure racing car, pure adrenaline.
What's even more interesting is that despite its size, this thunderstorm on wheels packs quite the punch. The all-carbon construction weighs in just under 1,000kg, with a horsepower to match each kilo. We're talking four-figure ballpark here, with a top speed well north of 200mph. Zero to 186mph? Try 9.0 seconds. That's F1 territory, in something you might think came out of a toy box.
The Spéirling's compact size isn't a limitation, it's part of its philosophy. A small car is a light car, with a modest frontal area that reduces drag. Less drag equals more speed, and more speed with less mass means an extended range. This cycle of virtues makes it a dynamo on the track, a force to be reckoned with.
Powering this small but mighty beast is a U-shaped battery embedded within the car's structure, providing 60kWh of capacity. On a good day, it's good for over 300 miles. But on the track? You're looking at a solid half-hour to an hour of pedal-to-the-metal action.
Now, you might be wondering about the lack of a rear wing. That's where things get interesting. Instead of relying on traditional aero, the McMurtry Spéirling is a fan car. Twin electric turbines tucked behind the cockpit generate a gale force, pulling air from underneath and blasting it out a rear exhaust. This isn't your silent EV – it roars like a jet fighter ready for takeoff, creating a whopping 500kg of negative lift from 0mph.
The mind behind this masterful creation is none other than Sir David McMurtry, whose background includes working on the Rolls-Royce Olympus engines for the supersonic Concorde. His company logo on the Spéirling's tail fin is a peregrine falcon, a bird renowned for its high-speed dives, and his creation is certainly worthy of the emblem.
So, if you've been feeling unimpressed by the slew of 2,000bhp e-supercars hitting the market, the McMurtry Spéirling might be just what you're looking for. This could be the Caterham or Elise moment for electric vehicles, a supercar that not only breaks speed records but does so in a compact, light, and efficient package. It's a clean supercar in more ways than one. And when those fans kick in, you can bet they'll blow all the dust out of the old notions of what a supercar can be.
Pros of the McMurtry Spéirling:
- Groundbreaking Performance: The Spéirling's powerful electric motors deliver an impressive 1,000 horsepower, propelling it from zero to 186mph in a blistering 9 seconds. This outperforms many established supercars on the market.
- Innovative Design: Its small, lightweight design reduces drag and promotes energy efficiency. The unique driving environment, with a reclining carbon seat and bubble canopy, offers a pure racing car experience.
- Fan-assisted Downforce System: Instead of a traditional rear wing, the car uses twin electric turbines to generate downforce, offering 500kg of negative lift from 0mph, enhancing its performance and stability at any speed.
- Environmentally Friendly: As an electric vehicle, the Spéirling doesn't produce tailpipe emissions. Plus, when its fans are running at full blast, they clean the surrounding environment by blowing away dust and debris.
- Respectable Range: The car's U-shaped battery offers 60kWh of capacity and can support 30-60 minutes of flat-out driving or over 300 miles of more modest driving according to the WLTP test.
Cons of the McMurtry Spéirling:
- High Price Tag: With a cost of over $1,033,979, the Spéirling is certainly a financial investment, potentially limiting its accessibility to a wider market.
- Single Seater: Its single-seater configuration may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer sharing their driving experiences with a passenger.
- Limited Run Time at High Speeds: While its range is impressive under normal conditions, continuous high-speed driving significantly reduces the battery's lifespan to 30-60 minutes, which could be an issue for those interested in extensive track driving.
- Noise Level: The twin electric turbines generate a high level of noise, up to 120dB, which is comparable to a jet engine. This could be considered a drawback for those who prefer a quieter driving experience.
- Availability and Maintenance: As an innovative product from a start-up company, potential issues could arise in terms of availability, long-term reliability, and ease of maintenance.
$1,033,979
