In an ambitious move, British startup McMurtry Automotive contemplates a road-legal version of its remarkable Speirling prototype, renowned for its staggering acceleration and downforce capabilities. Despite technical feasibility, the innovative fan system proves to be a regulatory hurdle.
The automotive world has been captivated by the McMurtry Speirling, a unique all-electric single-seater prototype that astonished enthusiasts by sprinting from 0 to 60 miles per hour in an astounding 1.5 seconds. This remarkable feat is attributed to its potent 1,000-horsepower electric powertrain and a distinctive fan system, which employs an unconventional approach to enhance downforce, significantly outperforming conventional track cars.
A significant highlight in the Speirling’s journey was its smashing of the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb record last year. Furthermore, a recent video released by Carwow showcased the Speirling prototype surpassing the speed of a Formula 1 car, cementing its reputation as an undeniable speed demon.
While the racing community eagerly anticipates the limited-production Speirling Pure designed exclusively for track use, a pertinent question lingers – could a road-legal iteration be on the horizon?
Autocar sought answers directly from McMurtry Automotive’s managing director, Thomas Yates. He affirmed the technical feasibility of an all-electric road-worthy single-seater, but acknowledged a series of regulatory complexities linked to the distinctive fan system.
Yates conveyed, “From a technical standpoint, there are no inherent restrictions. The possibility of its road use exists, but it would be desirable to evade categorization under the scrutiny of regulators.”
In the preceding year, the creators of the Speirling prototype had articulated their intentions to introduce a road-legal variant, preserving the impressive power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 horsepower per tonne and a 60-kilowatt-hour battery pack. They also stipulated that the on-road adaptation of the fan system would be limited to a track mode, unleashing an astonishing 4,409 pounds (2,000 kilograms) of downforce from a standstill, surpassing even a Formula 1 car’s downforce at 150 miles per hour.
In a subsequent conversation with Autocar, the managing director of McMurtry Automotive highlighted the most significant obstacle to road adaptation – the operational implications of the fan system:
“While conceivably a valuable safety feature for swift stops in adverse conditions, its practical applications on the road differ. It requires further contemplation.”
Notably absent is a precise timeline for the arrival of the road-legal McMurtry Speirling. However, Yates indicated that the recently unveiled track-exclusive Speriling Pure is set to reach eager customers within the next 18 to 24 months. As McMurtry Automotive navigates the intricate landscape of regulations and innovation, the prospect of a road-legal Speirling tantalisingly hangs in the balance.