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    McMurtry Spéirling PURE EV revealed with F1-rivalling performance for $2.3m

    The production-ready McMurtry Spéirling PURE will deliver 2000kg of fan-generated downforce, 3g cornering performance, and a 1.55-second 0-97km/h sprint.

    Dave Kavermann

    Dave Kavermann

    Journalist

    Dave Kavermann

    Dave Kavermann

    Journalist

    The production version of the McMurtry Spéirling PURE has been revealed as a candidate for the ultimate track weapon, with the British startup claiming its single-seat, track-only electric car (EV) delivers Formula 1-rivalling performance in a package designed to be far easier for owners to use.

    After almost a decade of development, McMurtry says the customer-specification Spéirling PURE features 95 per cent new components compared with the prototypes that have broken records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Top Gear test track.

    To put the McMurtry's performance into perspective, its 39.08-second Goodwood hillclimb record is 2.5 seconds quicker than the fastest time set by a Formula 1 car – driven by Nick Heidfeld – and more than eight seconds faster than the quickest road-legal car, the $9 million track-focused Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear.

    Priced from £995,000 (~NZ$2.3 million) before taxes and options, the car's patented fan-assisted downforce system -which can generate up to 2000kg of downforce from a standstill – allows the rear-wheel drive EV to corner and brake at up to 3g.

    Power comes from twin electric motors producing 1000bhp (746kW), supplied by a new 100kWh battery pack using Molicel cells. McMurtry claims a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint time of just 1.55 seconds and a top speed of 305km/h.

    Unlike the prototype, which used a 60kWh battery, the production car's larger battery is designed to increase running time while supporting faster charging and greater regenerative braking. McMurtry haven't confirmed driving range or DC fast-charging figures, but state the EV can travel 40-50km at LMP2 (Le Mans race car) pace.

    McMurtry has also redesigned the chassis around the bigger battery pack, stretching the wheelbase by 200mm while increasing cabin space and improving visibility.

    The carbon-fibre monocoque has also been engineered to meet global motorsport safety standards, while wider doors, repositioned pillars, integrated lighting, and improved service access are all intended to make the car easier to own and operate.

    The fan system has also been updated with new motors, more durable blades, and an onboard air compressor that allows the underbody skirt system to operate without the external air bottle required by earlier prototypes.

    The result, according to the company, is consistent downforce regardless of speed, unlike conventional aerodynamic systems that rely on airflow over wings and diffusers.

    The system also gives the electric hypercar an unusual soundtrack, with its twin fans spinning at up to 23,000rpm and producing a jet engine-like noise despite the absence of an internal combustion engine.

    Further mechanical changes include new Helix electric motors, upgraded gearing, revised cooling, hydraulic power-assisted steering replacing the previous electric system, wider Michelin slick tyres, and optional electronically adjustable dampers.

    Inside, every Spéirling PURE receives a custom-moulded seat tailored to its owner, alongside a new multifunction steering wheel and central display showing battery status, fan settings, temperatures, and performance data.

    McMurtry says a key focus for the production model has been reducing the complexity normally associated with extreme track cars.

    Owners can reportedly operate the vehicle at track days with just one assistant, while DC fast charging allows the battery to recharge from 20 to 95 per cent in between 20 and 60 minutes depending on charger output.

    An optional portable 100kWh battery pack is also available for charging at circuits without high-power infrastructure.

    "The Spéirling PURE marks the beginning of a new era in track driving with mind-bending performance to suit all levels of owner, from weekend enthusiasts to professional drivers," said McMurtry co-founder and managing director Thomas Yates.

    "In production form, the car is significantly more usable, but no less outrageous.

    "In terms of exhilaration, grip, acceleration, sound, aesthetics and technology, we offer something that no other manufacturer is able to."

    The Spéirling PURE will make its first public appearance in production form at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9-12 before its North American debut at The Quail in California on August 14.

    Production is underway at McMurtry's new factory in England's Cotswolds region, with first customer deliveries scheduled to begin later this year.

    McMurtry's record-setting Goodwood run

    McMurtry Spéirling PURE specs:

    Acceleration

    0-60mph in 1.55 seconds
    (with one foot roll out)

    Cornering | Braking Forces

    3g | 3g

    Top Speed

    190mph | 305kmh

    Downforce

    Up to 2000kg (4400lbs) from 0mph

    Power

    1000bhp

    Length | Width | Height

    3815mm (150.2”) | 1795mm (70.7”) | 1056mm (41.6”)

    Wheelbase

    2200mm (86.6”)

    Run Distance

    40-50km at LMP2 race car pace

    Charge Time 20%-95%

    20 mins - 60 mins depending on ambient temperature
    and charger capacity

    Driver Aids

    Traction control and anti-lock braking system

    Driver Comfort

    Air conditioning (optional), custom moulded seat,
    adjustable pedals and steering wheel

    Tyres

    Off-the-shelf Michelin slicks (available worldwide):
    Front tyres: 30/68-18 Michelin Pilot Sport GT S8M
    Rear tyres: 31/71-18 Michelin Pilot Sport GT S8M

    Brakes

    390mm x 34mm Vented carbon ceramic discs with
    Brembo six-piston calipers

    Personalisation Options

    Extensive exterior and interior options

    Chassis and Bodywork

    Carbon composite, single seat, closed cockpit

    Space for Drivers

    Up to 201cm (6ft 7”)

    Battery

    100kWh Lithium-Ion, Molicel P50B NCA 21700 cells

    Drive Configuration

    Twin-motor, rear-wheel drive with E-differential

    Weight

    ~1,350kg (2980lbs), subject to options

    Trackside Operation

    By driver + technician/competent friend, or full factory
    support available

    Competition Eligibility

    GT1 Sports Club, Global Time Attack (USA), European
    Time Attack Masters (Nurburgring GP + others)

    Price

    £995k plus local taxes, shipping and
    options

    Dave Kavermann

    Dave Kavermann

    Journalist

    Dave Kavermann

    Journalist

    Dave is a Kiwi motoring journalist with experience in motorcycle racing, new car sales, radio and communications.

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