McMurtry Spéirling Electric Hypercar Drives Upside Down in World-First Stunt

In a groundbreaking demonstration, McMurtry Automotive’s Spéirling hypercar has achieved what was once theoretical: driving upside down. This feat was accomplished using the car’s innovative “Downforce-on-Demand” fan system, which generates 4,400 pounds of downforce—double the car’s weight—even at a standstill. 

The Inverted Drive 

At McMurtry’s Gloucestershire headquarters, the Spéirling was driven onto a custom-built rig that rotated the vehicle 180 degrees, positioning it upside down. With the fan system engaged, the car remained adhered to the inverted surface, allowing co-founder Thomas Yates to drive it forward while suspended above the ground. 

Engineering Marvel 

The Spéirling’s fan system creates a vacuum beneath the car, producing significant downforce without relying on high speeds. This technology not only enables the car to drive upside down but also contributes to its record-breaking performance, such as its recent 55.9-second lap on Top Gear’s test track, surpassing a 2004 Renault F1 car by over three seconds. 

The Science Behind It 

Most high-performance cars rely on aerodynamic surfaces to create downforce at high speeds, but the Spéirling flips the script—literally. Its twin fan system sucks air from beneath the chassis, generating massive grip even when stationary. This concept, rooted in ground-effect racing from the ’70s, allows the car to effectively ‘stick’ to any surface—even one above it. 

Background on McMurtry Automotive 

Founded in 2016 by British engineer Sir David McMurtry, the company was created to push the boundaries of small-form, high-performance electric vehicles. With deep roots in precision engineering, McMurtry Automotive has focused on innovative EV tech that isn’t constrained by traditional design limitations. The Spéirling is their first public project, and it has quickly gained notoriety for its radical design and performance benchmarks. 

Implications for the Future 

This demonstration validates long-held theories about downforce and vehicle dynamics, showcasing the potential of fan-based systems in automotive engineering. McMurtry’s achievement opens new possibilities for vehicle performance and safety, particularly in scenarios requiring high grip at low speeds. 

Our Take

The upside-down drive may look like a stunt, but it sends a serious message: EVs are no longer confined to eco-minded commuter roles. McMurtry is proving that with the right tech and intent, electric vehicles can be lighter, faster, and more extreme than anything that came before. At Amped Auto Magazine, we see this as a bold glimpse into the future—where cutting-edge technology redefines the limits of automotive performance. 

As McMurtry Automotive continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the Spéirling stands as a testament to innovation and the relentless pursuit of performance excellence.