McMurtry Automotive is recent, very recent since founded in 2016 in Gloucestershire. It’s one of those bizarre but refreshing English automobile “things” that was born out of an idea, a concept that was a little crazy. This idea is the Spéirling which was developed for a little over 3 years before making its debut last year, already at Goodwood.
This year, the Spéirling has received support from Max Chilton, ex-Formula 1 driver (and driver of other motorsport series) to develop and tune the car. His secret? A ground effect on demand. The car returned to Goodwood to demonstrate its potential and attract purchase orders. She should go to different circuits to smash records.
2 tons of support, stationary!
His secret? In fact there are several. The first is its size. The Spéirling is less than 3.50 m! Yes yes ! 3.50 m for 1.1 m high. Basically, it’s the size of a Formula 1…but from the 60s. Another secret, it weighs only 1000 kg thanks to the massive use (haha) of carbon. The car is 100% electric and McMurtry advertises more than 300 miles (483 km) of range on one charge.
Last secret, and not least, it has an “on demand” ground effect. Turbines suck the car to the ground, even when stationary. When stationary, these are 2000 kg of support! And at 150 mph (240 km/h), 2.25 tonnes crush the car against the asphalt. On Goodwood’s attempt, it’s obvious. Chilton starts the suction (which makes a turbine noise) before It looks like the video is sped up, but it’s not. The 0 to 100 km/h is done in less than 2 seconds and the car can corner with more than 3G of lateral force.
Approved…in the UK
And you know the worst (or the best)? Well this McMurtry Spéirling is approved for the road! What lucky these English. Last thing, Spéirling is Irish for a storm.
He’s done it again! @maxchilton has just broken the Timed Shootout and his outright record in the McMurtry Speirling. The VW ID.R has been beaten with a ridiculous time of 39.081 seconds. The Future of Motorsport Power presented by @dhlexpressuk #gw_DHL #FOS #Hillclimb #record pic.twitter.com/5Lr2ODJzrt
— Goodwood FOS (@fosgoodwood) June 26, 2022
to summarize
The previous record was held by Romain Dumas on the VW ID. R from Pikes Peak in 41 seconds 18. Little McMurtry Spéirling beat him twice. A first passage in 39″14 then the new record in 39″08.
The secret of Spéirling? Ground effect inspired by Gordon Murray and the Formula 1 Brabham Alfa Romeo BT46B.
