An upside down McMurtry Spéirling? Stranger things have happened

In 2022, the McMurtry Spéirling redefined performance benchmarks by setting a new Hillclimb record. Driven by former Formula 1 driver Max Chilton, the Spéirling completed the 1.16-mile course in just 39.08 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by the Volkswagen ID.R by 0.82 seconds. This achievement marked a historic moment, as the Spéirling became the first fan car to compete in officially sanctioned motorsport since 1978, maintaining a 100 per cent win rate for fan-assisted vehicles.

Powered by a 60kWh battery and dual electric motors producing approximately 1,013PS (745kW), the Spéirling boasts a power-to-weight ratio 40 per cent superior to a Bugatti Chiron. Its defining feature is the fan-powered downforce system, generating over 2,000kg of instant downforce at any speed, enabling a 0-60mph sprint in under 1.5 seconds. This technology, inspired by 1970s F1 innovations, allows the Spéirling to achieve unparalleled grip and cornering speeds, as demonstrated by its record-setting performance.

To temper expectations, the McMurtry Rotator at this year’s Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard is strictly for display purposes, just in case you were expecting a high-speed upside-down driving spectacle, but trust us, the science stands up.

Back in April, the Spéirling Pure Validation Prototype 1 (VP1) was driven upside down for five seconds by McMurtry co-founder Thomas Yates, a testament to the car’s revolutionary aerodynamics. McMurtry’s activation at FOS Future Lab will also highlight the Spéirling Pure, the commercially available successor to the record-breaking Spéirling.

With enhancements like a 15 per cent more efficient fan system, wider tyres for improved grip, and a 100kWh battery option, the Spéirling Pure is designed for multi-lap track performance and is eligible for GT1 Sports Club events.

By leveraging first-principles design, the company has created a lightweight electric hypercar that delivers unmatched performance while maintaining efficiency. The Spéirling Pure, priced from £895,000, is purely for track-day experiences, offering drivers up to 3 g cornering capabilities, and a top speed of 190mph.

McMurtry Automotive, founded in 2016 by Sir David McMurtry, draws on a legacy of engineering excellence, with roots in aerospace and F1. The Spéirling’s record-setting success underscores its dominance in high-performance electric vehicles. The company’s focus on compact, fan-assisted designs not only pushes the boundaries of speed but also promotes sustainability through efficient battery use and zero-emission performance.

Visitors to the Festival of Speed can explore McMurtry’s display at FOS Future Lab, located near the supercar paddock, the place where tech dreams become real. McMurtry’s dream? A car so small, so fast, and still approachable to drive and own, it rewrites what’s possible on four wheels — in any orientation.

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The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway! You can watch every moment of the action by watching our livestream.

Goodwood photography by Eimear Hyland.