Setting a record is an impressive feat, but achieving one while not actively aiming for it is truly remarkable.
Such was the case with the McMurtry Spéirling, an electric fan car that recently made headlines by setting two lap records at Laguna Seca with a “non-professional” driver behind the wheel. The Spéirling now holds the titles of the fastest electric vehicle (EV) and the fastest production car ever to lap the track.
These records were established during a demonstration event at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The event, which lasted 10 minutes, showcased two Spéirling models driving together for the first time in public. Philip Kadoorie, who was at the wheel of a Spéirling Pure model, completed seven laps of the 2.238-mile circuit, achieving a fastest lap time of 1:18.413 minutes.
This achievement places the Spéirling at the top of the track’s history, surpassing the previous record held by the Porsche Taycan GT from March of this year. It also outperformed the Czinger 21C, which had briefly held the record for the fastest production car. Notably, this record was set with the Spéirling operating at only 50 percent of its maximum power and downforce settings.
Philip Kadoorie, who also competes in historic racing with a Porsche 962 Group C car, attributed the success to the fan-assisted aerodynamic system of the Spéirling. “The confidence I had with the fan-assisted aero is one of the reasons we broke the EV record today without really trying,” he said. Kadoorie expressed his eagerness to return next year to attempt a record with the car’s full fan and power settings.
The Spéirling’s record-setting capabilities are no surprise, given its history of breaking records since its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2021. The car boasts a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, which contributes to its weight of just 2,200 pounds, and is powered by a dual-motor setup delivering 1,000 horsepower. What truly sets the Spéirling apart is its pair of turbine fans, which generate over 4,000 pounds of downforce, allowing the car to cling tightly to the track as it speeds around. The Spéirling can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an astonishing 1.55 seconds and reach a top speed of 185 mph.
For those interested in owning a piece of automotive history, the Spéirling Pure is currently available for purchase through McMurtry. The price for this extraordinary fan car starts at $1.178 million.
