Steering Upgrades and Traction Control Tuning
In this the new video, you’ll see:
- Spéirling PURE VP1 testing at our local circuit, Castle Combe
- Chief Engineer, George, explaining new hydraulic steering system
- Traction Control Development with Heads of Department Alex and Vini.
- Overall: A behind the scenes glimpse at a private test day, where every detail is being tested, challenged, and improved – ahead of customer deliveries this year
Test days like this is where confidence inspiring performance is built from:
This video shows the McMurtry team returning to Castle Combe circuit for something just as critical as outright performance: how the car feels, responds, and supports the driver at the limit.
Three experienced engineers show you behind the scenes of testing two key areas – our new hydraulic power steering system and the evolution of traction control.
Here are a few screenshots from the video to show you a quick insight into what to expect:
A New Direction: Hydraulic Power Steering
Chief Engineer George Scholz, who has been with McMurtry for nearly a decade, led the evaluation of a significant change: replacing the car’s electric power steering with a bespoke hydraulic system.
As performance levels increase, so do the demands placed on the driver. With the immense downforce generated by the car – particularly at low speeds – steering effort can become a challenge. The move to hydraulic assistance is designed to address that directly.
“As we keep increasing the performance of the vehicle, we found we need to offer more power steering assistance to customers”
The system itself draws inspiration from Formula 1, but with fewer constraints. Unlike F1 systems, this setup allows engineers to dynamically vary the level of steering assist while driving – opening up new possibilities for tuning both comfort and feedback.
Early testing explored a range of configurations, and still to come are different pinion ratios. Initial findings are promising: strong performance under high load, with further work underway to refine consistency at lower speeds – such as manoeuvring in the pits.
It’s a reminder that performance isn’t just about speed – it’s about confidence.
Testing at the Limit: Traction Control Development
With steering testing complete, attention turned to traction control – led by Head of Electrical and Control Systems, Alex Keane, and Head of Vehicle Testing, Vini Cruz.
Their objective: push the system to its limits in the most demanding conditions possible.
To do that, the team deliberately removed grip from the equation – running full torque with no fan assistance on a low-grip surface. The result is a worst-case scenario for traction, forcing the system to work at its absolute hardest.
“We’ve proving out the traction control by giving it the hardest time possible… using all the torque to spin the wheels up and none of the grip [fans off] to put the power down.”
From there, the process is iterative and data-driven. Each run is followed by analysis, calibration updates, and another round of testing – gradually refining the system’s behaviour.
The goal is not just control, but adaptability. Multiple driving modes are in development, including wet, sport, and race settings, each tailored to different conditions and driver preferences.
Under the surface, the system uses two primary strategies:
- Individual wheel torque reduction
- Intelligent throttle modulation, limiting driver input when grip is exceeded
Both approaches showed strong performance during testing, bringing the system closer to readiness for customer vehicles.
Built by Passionate People and Proven in the Real World
Beyond the systems themselves, this test session highlights something equally important: the people behind the car.
From George’s long-term engineering leadership to Alex’s software development and Vinnie’s experience testing some of the world’s most advanced hypercars, every aspect of development is driven by specialists deeply invested in the outcome.
Their role isn’t just to chase performance figures – it’s to ensure that when customers get behind the wheel, the car is intuitive, controllable and confidence inspiring.
What Comes Next
This session marks another step toward delivering customer vehicles that combine extreme performance with usability and precision.
The work continues – refining steering feel across all conditions, expanding traction control capabilities, and ensuring every system works seamlessly together.
For those following McMurtry’s journey, it’s a glimpse behind the curtain.
For future owners, it’s reassurance that every detail is being tested, challenged, and improved – long before the car reaches them.
First customer Spéirling to be handed over in 2026
Spéirling PURE is available from £995,000 + taxes, shipping and options.
About McMurtry
McMurtry is a UK-based electric hypercar manufacturer founded in 2016 by engineering pioneer Sir David McMurtry. Our vision is bold but simple: to build vehicles focused purely on driving exhilaration. Not just for professional racers, but for anyone passionate about pushing limits.
The elite team created the record-breaking Spéirling – a revolutionary fan car delivering 3G cornering via 2000kg of confidence-inspiring downforce available from 0mph. It has shattered outright records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb and the Top Gear Test Track against F1 cars.
It isn’t just fast – it’s empowering. Lightweight, agile, and shockingly quick in corners, it puts pro-level performance in the hands of any passionate driver.
Testing continues on iconic circuits as worldwide customer deliveries approach in 2026.
Media contacts
media@mcmurtry.com