In a groundbreaking display of electric automotive technology and engineering prowess, the British-built McMurtry Spéirling has set two impressive records at the Laguna Seca Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb. This milestone marks McMurtry’s dynamic debut in the USA and showcases the cutting-edge capabilities of the Spéirling, which has already established itself as a formidable competitor in the automotive world.
McMurtry Spéirling: A Technological Marvel
The McMurtry Spéirling, an electric fan car, utilizes a unique fan downforce system combined with an advanced battery technology to deliver extraordinary performance. The bespoke battery system, featuring high-performance Molicel lithium-ion cells, powers the car’s innovative fan technology. This system generates an astounding 4,400 pounds of downforce from a standstill, providing unparalleled grip and stability.
Record-Breaking Performance at Laguna Seca
On August 11th, 2024, the McMurtry Spéirling, driven by former F1 and Indycar star Max Chilton, set two new records at the Laguna Seca Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb. The car surpassed the previous Hillclimb record set by a 1976 Lotus Type 77 Formula One car by 6 seconds, achieving a time of 28.6 seconds on the longer layout. The new record on the revised shorter layout, introduced for 2024, stands at an impressive 21.958 seconds. The previous record-holder on this layout was a 2022 Ferrari SF90, which finished with a time of 29.822 seconds.
Event Highlights and US Debut
The Laguna Seca event also marked McMurtry’s US dynamic debut. The company utilized the occasion to showcase the Spéirling to existing and prospective customers in the US, who are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to test drive the revolutionary prototype. McMurtry’s participation in car week activities included several high-profile events:
- Motorlux Party: August 14th, Monterey Jet Centre, 17:00-22:00
- The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: August 16th, 09:00-16:00
- Demo Laps at Laguna Seca Full Circuit: August 17th, 11:50-12:00
- L’Auberge Carmel: August 18th, 09:00-22:00
Driving Experience and Technical Insights
Max Chilton, reflecting on his experience, described the challenge of navigating the Reverse Corkscrew, a notoriously difficult section of the track. He highlighted the crucial role of the fan downforce system in providing the necessary grip and stability to achieve record-breaking speeds. The McMurtry Spéirling’s advanced technology, including the P50B battery cells from Molicel, enables it to maintain GT3 pace for 20 minutes before requiring a 20-minute recharge.
The McMurtry Spéirling PURE: A New Benchmark
The McMurtry Spéirling PURE represents the next evolution in high-performance track cars. Priced at £895,000 (approximately $1.142 million), the Spéirling PURE builds on the success of the original model, offering selectable performance modes that range from GT3 to F1 and Indycar levels of pace. This model is designed to make record-breaking performance accessible to track driving enthusiasts while continuing to honor the legacy of fan car technology.
Company Vision and Future Prospects
McMurtry Automotive’s vision is to establish itself as a leading brand in the automotive industry, rooted in innovation and a commitment to lightweight, high-performance vehicles. The company aims to inspire a renewed passion for small and agile cars, drawing on a rich history of motorsport innovation.
Thomas Yates, Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive, expressed enthusiasm about the positive reception of the Spéirling in the US and hinted at future developments and continued presence in the American market.
The McMurtry Spéirling’s record-breaking performance at the Laguna Seca Reverse Corkscrew Hillclimb marks a significant milestone for both the car and McMurtry Automotive. This achievement underscores the potential of electric fan cars and highlights McMurtry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
