McMurtry Spéirling
| McMurtry Spéirling | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | McMurtry Automotive |
| Production | 2021 |
| Designer | Andries van Overbeeke |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports prototype |
| Body style | Fastback |
| Layout | RR |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | Twin motors |
| Power output | 746 kW (1,000 hp) |
| Battery | 60 kWh (800 V, 75 Ah) |
| Electric range | >483 km (300 miles) (WLTP) |
| Plug-in charging | 600 kW |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,000 mm (78.7 in) |
| Length | 3,400 mm (133.9 in) |
| Width | 1,500 mm (59.1 in) |
| Height | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) |
| Kerb weight | Under 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) |
The McMurtry Spéirling is an electric single-seat prototype sports car which was first presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2021. The car is developed by McMurtry Automotive, a British registered startup founded on 2 June 2016 by Sir David McMurtry (co-founder and executive chairman of Renishaw plc). "Spéirling" is Irish for "thunderstorm".
A distinguishing feature of the car is its use of "active downforce", achieved through integrated fans that generate suction to increase grip, even while stationary. This system provides a significant advantage at low speeds. Demonstrations have shown the car operating on an inverted rotating platform, indicating that the generated downforce can exceed the vehicle's weight. Similar fan-based systems had previously been used in motor racing during the 1970s but were later banned.