A British-built electric hypercar is redefining what performance means, boasting acceleration figures that rival top-tier race cars and generating enough downforce to drive upside down.
The McMurtry Spéirling, an all-electric single-seater developed by McMurtry Automotive, is priced at $1.3 million and stands apart even in the rarefied hypercar segment. Capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.38 seconds, the compact machine delivers performance numbers that border on surreal. It can also reach 100 mph in 2.63 seconds, underscoring its extraordinary capabilities.
The company behind the Spéirling was founded in June 2016 by Irish businessman David McMurtry, who was born in Dublin in 1940 and built his fortune supplying metrology equipment in the United Kingdom. Development of the Spéirling took place in secrecy for three years before its public debut in 2021 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The name “Spéirling,” derived from the Irish word for “Thunderstorm,” reflects the car’s intense character.
Soon after its unveiling, it became clear the vehicle was unlike traditional hypercars. In 2022, it set a new lap record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, further cementing its reputation as a technological breakthrough.
Power comes from a twin-motor electric setup mounted on the rear axle, producing more than 1,000 brake horsepower. However, raw power is only part of the story. The Spéirling features a unique “Downforce-on-demand” fan system that can generate more than 4,400 pounds of downforce at the push of a button.
That system enables a remarkable achievement long debated in motorsport circles — the ability for a car to theoretically drive upside down due to aerodynamic grip. McMurtry Automotive has demonstrated that this concept is possible with the Spéirling.
With its extreme engineering and record-setting performance, the $1.3 million hypercar represents a bold vision for the future of electric speed.
Via McMurtry Automotive
Shawn Henry