British electric car brand McMurtry Automotive is returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a quirky but endearing “vacuum car”. McMurtry Spéirling made his Goodwood debut in 2021 and returns this year to conquer the famous hill climb and break the record.
The McMurtry Spéirling is a single seat electric race car that’s supposed to be faster than the Bugatti Chiron. In fact, McMurtry Automotive claims to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 1.5 seconds and a top speed of 241 km/h (150 mph).
McMurtry Automotive hasn’t released Speirling’s performance data, but it says the EV has a power-to-weight ratio of 1,000 hp/ton.
However, the main distinguishing feature of the Spéirling is two fans that draw air from under the car. This system makes it possible to have instant thrust on demand and to be suctioned, with the support of 2,000 kg, twice the weight of the vehicle. This means the Speirling has more downforce than the F1 car at 150 mph (241 km/h).
Led by former F1 driver Max Chilton, McMurtry Automotive aims to set a new record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The current record holder for the famous hill climb is the Volkswagen IDR, who broke his record from the previous year by 39.9 seconds. Moreover, for a distance of 1.86 kilometers, since it is the length of Goodwood Hill.
“Our goal is to win the event and we feel the record is within reach if everything falls into place. Of course this is motorsport and nothing should be taken for granted, but ‘we will show up with a very competitive package.'” The last time a “vacuum car” competed in motorsport was in 1978, when Niki Lauda dominated the Swedish Formula 1 Grand Prix.”said Thomas Yates, general manager of McMurtry Automotive.
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