The McMurtry Spéirling PURE, an electric hypercar poised to revolutionize track performance, owes its rapid development to a confluence of innovative engineering and cutting-edge battery technology. Conceived by Sir David McMurtry, the Spéirling’s genesis was rooted in a desire to create the most exhilarating driving experience imaginable. This vision was brought to life by a team of seasoned motorsport engineers, including Thomas Yates and Kevin Ukoko-Rongione, who leveraged their Formula 1 expertise to develop a car that delivers unparalleled performance while remaining accessible to a wider audience than professional racers. The car’s groundbreaking downforce system, generating 2000kg of downforce from the moment of activation, coupled with the instant torque of its electric drivetrain, allows for unprecedented levels of control and agility. The Spéirling’s record-shattering run at the Goodwood Hillclimb in 2022 served as a resounding validation of this innovative approach.
The success at Goodwood transformed the Spéirling from a proof-of-concept into the PURE, a production-ready track car designed to redefine performance benchmarks. Boasting a 0-60 mph time of 1.55 seconds, 3G cornering capabilities, and a top speed of 185 mph, the PURE leverages the power of 1,000hp electric motors and advanced battery technology. The collaboration with Molicel, a leading high-performance battery cell manufacturer, and the adoption of their P50B cells proved crucial in achieving these ambitious performance targets. However, fully realizing the potential of these cells required extensive testing and data analysis, a challenge addressed by McMurtry’s partnership with About:Energy.
About:Energy, a company specializing in battery data and simulation, played a pivotal role in accelerating the PURE’s development timeline. Their expertise in generating comprehensive battery data and creating digital twins enabled McMurtry to bypass the lengthy and resource-intensive process of in-house cell testing. By providing McMurtry with detailed performance and degradation data for the Molicel P50B cells, About:Energy facilitated the rapid optimization of the PURE’s battery pack design, cooling systems, and battery management systems. This collaboration streamlined the development process, saving valuable time and resources, and enabling McMurtry to focus on refining the vehicle’s overall performance and handling.
The partnership with About:Energy extended beyond simply characterizing the P50B cells. Their ongoing degradation testing provided crucial insights into the long-term performance of the battery pack, enabling McMurtry to confidently project a ten-year lifespan for the PURE’s battery under demanding track conditions. This data also empowered McMurtry to accurately estimate the car’s track endurance under various driving styles and environmental conditions, ranging from the cold climates of Canada to the extreme heat of the Emirates. This comprehensive understanding of battery behavior was essential for providing customers with realistic performance expectations and validating warranty claims.
Beyond developing the PURE, McMurtry envisions leveraging its advanced battery technology for broader applications. The modular design of their battery packs, coupled with About:Energy’s rapid cell characterization capabilities, allows McMurtry to offer customized battery solutions to other companies. This approach enables potential clients to specify their desired performance parameters and cost targets, while McMurtry can quickly identify and integrate suitable battery cells, leveraging About:Energy’s data to predict performance and ensure optimal integration. This strategic partnership positions McMurtry to become a key player in the burgeoning market for high-performance battery systems.
The McMurtry Spéirling PURE, with its projected delivery date in late 2025, represents a paradigm shift in high-performance track cars. The combination of innovative downforce technology, cutting-edge electric drivetrain, and advanced battery systems, developed in partnership with About:Energy, promises to deliver an unprecedented driving experience. With a limited production run of 100 units and a price tag of around $1 million, the PURE is targeted at discerning customers seeking unmatched performance and the thrill of dominating any track. This exclusive vehicle is poised to rewrite the rules of track performance, offering a level of speed, agility, and control previously unimaginable.
