McMurtry has unveiled the production version of its Speirling electric hypercar, which uses giant fans to suck itself to the ground to get unreal performance numbers and has shattered track records. For the last several years, we’ve seen crazier horsepower and acceleration numbers from electric performance cars, even from previously-unknown brands. But EVs have gotten so fast that there’s something still holding them back: tires. Most of the highest-performance EVs on the road are now “traction-limited,” which means they literally could not go any faster if they tried, because tires just can’t keep up. Advertisement - scroll for more content But there’s a physics trick that can help with that, and it’s one that McMurtry has deployed on its Speirling “fan car,” which has giant fans underneath to push air out the back and to create a low pressure zone underneath the car. This “sucks” the car to the ground, increasing traction without increasing vehicle weight. (Tesla has patented a similar system, possibly for use in the new Roadster). This is a concept that actually dates back to the 1970s, where it was used so effectively in auto racing that it was immediately banned. McMurtry has been the first to put it into place on a modern electric car, and the results have been startling. For the last few years, the company has brought the car out to various tracks and race events, and has set literally unfair times at each of them. That’s what 1,000hp on a 1,050kg car can do – especially when it also has 2,000kg of downforce at 0mph due to the suction from the fan car system (which is, in fact, enough to let the car drive upside down). Its first outing was at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022 where it set an all-time record, beating VW’s ID.R, which had in turn beaten a 20-year record from an F1 car. The video is worth watching, because it honestly looks like the car is using cheat codes. It’s like a slot car, but on a real road. The car also set a track record at the Top Gear Test Track beating a 20-year record by an F1 car by 3 seconds, and another at Laguna Seca without even trying, beating everyone by 6 seconds. Both of these are short laps, so winning by multiple seconds is an enormous gap. But, this has always been a prototype. McMurtry has been teasing a production version of the car, and now it’s ready for a full reveal. Here it is: ₤1M, 1,000hp, 1,350kg, 100kWh, 100 unit Speirling PURE We now know all the specs of the production version of the Speirling, and despite replacing 95% of the components from the prototype version and gaining a good chunk of weight, the thing is still a doozy. Top line performance numbers include 1,000hp, 0-60 in 1.55 seconds, and a top speed of 190mph. The fans can still create 2,000kg of downforce at 0mph, and thanks to its other traditional aerodynamic surfaces, this enables the car to pull up to 3 lateral Gs in corners or under braking. The Speirling is dual-motor like so many EVs these days, but both of those motors are on the rear axle, making it rear-wheel drive (like a proper sportscar). AWD could probably have improved performance even further, but AWD is boring and RWD is fun (fight me). The car has been made larger than the prototype, mostly to accommodate a larger 100kWh battery, up from the 60kWh prototype version. This means it’s heavier than the prototype, now 1,350kg (2,980lbs) instead of 1,050kg. 100kWh should give enough energy for about 40-50km (25-31mi) on track at similar pace as an LMP2 car. That energy storage is about double the capacity of a 55kWh Formula E Gen 4 car, but it’s more energy-hungry too. To recharge after your stint, the car can be charged from 20% to 95% in “20-60 mins depending on ambient temperature and charger capacity.” McMurtry likely quoted 20-95% because a fuller battery provides better performance, in contrast to the 5-80% charge speeds you often see from consumer vehicles which are more focused on minimizing quick charge times. In terms of comfort, McMurtry says the Speirling can accommodate up to a 2m/6’7″ tall driver in a custom molded seat. There’s a boot (trunk) in the rear… with just enough storage space for a helmet and HANS safety device. And it even has optional air conditioning! 100 units of the Speirling PURE will be built in McMurtry’s factory in the Cotswolds, England. Each allows for “extensive customization,” letting owners make their cars unique. McMurtry’s team and production facility Paint option examples Given this is an expensive, track-focused supercar, McMurtry will organize track day events with support from company engineers through its McMurtry Owners Club. They’ll provide driver training and track support at various events. But McMurtry says that unlike many track cars, the car doesn’t require a full track support team to run, just “a driver and a competent friend.” The car is eligible for competition in the GT1 Sports Club, Global Time Attack, and European Time Attack Masters series. Deliveries will start later this year, at a retail price of £995k/~$1.3m/~€1.15m. You can register your interest with a form at McMurtry’s website, but if your answer for “current car collection” only includes a 2002 Honda Fit, you probably won’t get a call back. If you’re looking for a chance to see the car, McMurtry plans to bring the Speirling PURE to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 9-12. It will also bring the full production car to The Quail in Carmel, CA on August 14. It seems both of these visits will be display-only, so you won’t get to see the slot-car performance this time around. In the end, I have two questions left for McMurtry: when’s the media drive event, and will you include the Dramamine? Charge your electric vehicle at home using rooftop solar panels. Find a reliable and competitively priced solar installer near you on EnergySage, for free. They have pre-vetted installers competing for your business, ensuring high-quality solutions and 20-30% savings. It’s free, with no sales calls until you choose an installer. Compare personalized solar quotes online and receive guidance from unbiased Energy Advisers. Get started here. – ad* Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. 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