New Era of Speed: Historic Top Gear Test Track Lap Record Shattered
- 20 Year old Record set by F1 Car Surpassed by 3.1s
- McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1 set a 55.9s driven by The Stig
- Previous record was a 2004 Renault R24 F1 Car at 59.0s
- The car is an evolution of that which took the record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022 and is the next step towards a finalised production model, with deliveries starting in 2026
- The Spéirling PURE is available to buy from £895,000 + taxes and shipping.
Dunsfold Aerodrome, UK – 11th April: A new chapter in automotive history has been written. The long-standing lap record at the iconic Top Gear Test Track has been emphatically broken. The new benchmark, set by the McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1, signals a seismic shift in performance engineering, redefining what’s possible on the legendary circuit.
The Stig took the wheel of the McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1 — a single-seat, carbon-bodied machine with 1000bhp and a Downforce-on-Demand™ fan system that generates 2000kg of downforce at any speed. This enables blistering acceleration from 0–60 mph in just 1.5 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph, apex speeds are beyond Formula 1 cars around corners like Hammerhead and Chicago. As the first commercially available fan car with a sealed skirt design, it effectively “sucks” itself to the track, creating a level of grip few vehicles can match.
Customers deliveries are scheduled for 2026. Then tracks around the world will be seeing more records challenged.
For years, the Top Gear Test Track has stood as the ultimate proving ground for the world’s fastest and most revered performance cars. First introduced in 2002 as part of the globally celebrated BBC motoring show Top Gear, the circuit has challenged the limits of engineering and driving skill. From supercars to track-focused hyper machines, only the very best have dared to push the boundaries around the famous layout featuring famed corners Chicago, Hammerhead and Gambon. With its mix of high-speed straights, tight chicanes the track has become a litmus test for speed, handling, and sheer driving precision.
The previous lap record, held by Fernando Alonso’s 2004 Renault F1 Car at 59.0s, was widely regarded as one of the greatest F1s cars of modern times. Over the years, challengers have come and gone, but none had been able to dethrone the reigning champion—until now. In a groundbreaking performance, the McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1 obliterated the previous record, setting a blistering lap time of 55.9s, marking a defining moment in automotive excellence.
Thomas Yates, co-founder and managing director, McMurtry Automotive said “Achieving the fastest lap ever on this legendary circuit is an immense achievement for the team at McMurtry Automotive and was supported by our fantastic customers. For me, this record evokes great feelings of nostalgia for the incredible cars that starred before ours on Top Gear. For the McMurtry team, this is not just a record—it’s a testament to our passion for innovation, performance and lightweight. We dedicate this record to Sir David McMurtry, who founded this company and whose legacy we proudly carry forward in everything that we do.”
The record-setting lap stands as an undisputed milestone in automotive history. The Top Gear Test Track has been graced by some of the greatest machines ever built, from the McLaren P1 to the Ferrari FXX and Aston Martin Valkyrie but the arrival of McMurtry Spéirling PURE VP1 has undoubtedly raised the bar to unprecedented levels.
Will this new record stand the test of time, or will the relentless pursuit of speed continue to push the limits of possibility?
BBC Top Gear’s Editor-In-Chief Jack Rix said: “Being there to witness a 20-year-old lap record being shattered – one we thought was untouchable – was an incredible moment. And for The Stig to cling onto it as it cornered at speeds unlike anything we’ve ever seen was an otherworldly piece of driving. We already knew the McMurtry represented a giant technological leap, this puts the exclamation mark on it. It’s a record that might never be broken… unless any F1 teams are feeling brave?”
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.
When innovation meets ambition, the results are extraordinary. And this is just the beginning.
Spéirling PURE track car objectives
To make record breaking performance accessible to track driving enthusiasts.
- To make record breaking performance accessible to driving enthusiasts.
- To bring back legendary fan car technology
- To restore passion for small and lightweight cars
McMurtry Company Objectives
- McMurtry’s ambition is to become one of the world’s most prestigious and long-standing automotive brands, founded on motorsport innovation.
- Inspired by legends of the past, we champion innovation towards making vehicles light and agile.
- We proudly showcase British innovation and engineering design.