Defying Gravity

Upside-Down Power

The McMurtry Spéirling has done something out of a sci-fi movie by literally driving upside down from a standstill. It’s not just a flashy trick, but a demonstration of what’s possible when you mix innovative engineering and a sprinkle of determination. The Spéirling, an all-electric hypercar, relies on its revolutionary fan-based Downforce-on-Demand system to achieve this feat.

This isn’t just about having fun at a car meet. Set at McMurtry’s base in Gloucestershire, the upside-down stunt aimed to challenge the norms and is a testament to the car’s advanced tech. Thomas Yates, the co-founder, was behind the wheel on a special rig that flipped the car onto its roof, where it proceeded to drive like it was on any ordinary street. Yes, they’ve got video proof for those who need a dose of jaw-dropping action.

Sticking Science

For years, folks have speculated if high-performance cars, like those in Formula 1, could drive upside down when they hit the right speeds due to aerodynamic downforce. The Spéirling just turned that theory into reality. Utilizing its innovative fan system, the car can produce an astonishing 4,409 pounds of downforce at zero speed. This ability allows it to stick to surfaces like Spiderman, rendering gravity nearly irrelevant in its performance equation.

What makes this car unique is its mechanism of creating a vacuum under the chassis—no wings required like traditional racecars. This means stellar grip for acceleration, braking, and cornering, which the Spéirling showcased by cruising confidently on an inverted rotating platform using just its fan-generated power.

Record Mania

Apart from flipping expectations, the Spéirling set a blazing new record on the Top Gear Test Track, outpacing a V10-powered Formula 1 car by an impressive 3.1 seconds. It’s not its first outing in the record books, having already made a mark at venues like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the legendary Laguna Seca Corkscrew Hillclimb.

Driver Yates described driving upside down as surreal and touted the 4,409 pounds of downforce as nothing short of phenomenal. It’s clear this hypercar is not just about top speed; it’s about redefining what’s possible in the realm of electric vehicles.

Limited Production

There’s excitement in the air as McMurtry plans to produce the Spéirling PURE, limited to just 100 units starting in 2026. The production model will pack a 100kWh battery that should give enthusiasts about 20 minutes of GT3-level track fun or several potent quick laps. The battery tech utilizes P50B Molicel 21700 cells, offering optimal power and energy density.

For the upside-down record, McMurtry used a prototype decked out in falcon-inspired camouflage, a nod to both its high-speed nature and their logo, the peregrine falcon—the fastest animal on the planet.

Race-Ready Safety

While the visuals are wild, safety is still the main priority. The Spéirling meets racecar standards similar to those used in LMP1 endurance racing. Its downforce capability, which functions at any speed, helps control the car brilliantly, potentially avoiding accidents by allowing it to scrub off speed with ease.

The McMurtry team’s relentless push for performance innovation continues the legacy of the late Sir David McMurtry. With every stride, the Spéirling suggests that the electric future isn’t just fast—it’s incredibly imaginative.

For the skeptics who asked if it could drive upside down, the Spéirling has answered with a bold “yes,” forever cementing its place in auto history as the car that tamed gravity.

Evading Gravity

As the Spéirling heads to lucky buyers, it isn’t just marketed as a fast track beast. It’s the hypercar that snapped the chains of gravity itself and proved it’s just another challenge to overcome.

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This rewrite captures the captivating nature of McMurtry’s groundbreaking achievements while translating the technical elements into more approachable terms. By keeping the focus on factual information and the car’s spectacular capabilities, the text provides a picture of innovation that might resonate with someone familiar with high-performance vehicles but new to McMurtry’s innovations.