For nearly a decade, the British startup McMurtry Automotive has been quietly working on something extraordinary. Now, the production version of their record-shattering Spéirling Pure has finally arrived, and it might just be the most extreme track car ever built.
The Numbers Are Staggering
Priced from £995,000 (approximately $1.3 million), the Spéirling Pure delivers 1,000 horsepower from its twin electric motors, propelling it from 0-60mph in just 1.55 seconds and on to a top speed of 190mph. But straight-line speed isn’t the headline here—it’s the grip.
Downforce From a Standstill
The Spéirling Pure’s defining feature is its patented Downforce-on-Demand™ system. Twin fans spinning at up to 23,000rpm create a vacuum beneath the chassis, generating a staggering 2,000kg (4,400 lbs) of downforce even when the car is stationary. This means the car can generate 3g in corners and under braking, delivering Formula 1-rivalling performance.
To put this in perspective, the prototype famously became the first car ever to drive upside down. And in 2025, it set a new lap record at the Top Gear Test Track, beating the benchmark set by a 2004 Renault F1 car.
Production Refinements
While visually similar to the prototype, the production Pure features 95% new components. The battery has grown from 60kWh to a more usable 100kWh unit, allowing for 40-50km of running at LMP2 race pace before requiring a charge. Recharging from 20% to 95% takes between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on charger capacity.
The wheelbase has been extended to accommodate the larger battery, while a new carbon fibre monocoque improves driver comfort and meets global motorsport safety standards. Hydraulic power-assisted steering replaces the previous electric system for better driver feedback, and wider Michelin slick tyres provide additional mechanical grip.
Designed to Be Usable
Despite its extreme performance, McMurtry has prioritised usability. The company claims a driver and single technician can run the car trackside, while an optional portable 100kWh battery pack can provide 120kW charging at circuits without infrastructure.
The interior features a custom-moulded seat tailored to the owner, a multifunction steering wheel, and a central display showing battery status and performance data. There’s even a storage compartment under the rear wing for a helmet and HANS device.
The Verdict
With only 100 examples planned and deliveries beginning later in 2026, the Spéirling Pure is destined for the hands of very few. But as McMurtry’s Managing Director Thomas Yates put it: “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”.
It’s a technical masterpiece that proves the laws of physics can be rewritten—as long as you have two fans and a very big battery.
