Helix Partners With McMurtry on Spéirling Electric Motor Tech
Helix, a trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd, manufactures the world’s most power-dense electric motors and inverters in the UK. Helix has partnered with electric hypercar brand McMurtry Automotive.
Helix brings over 20 years’ experience in high-performance electric drive systems. The team has developed a bespoke electric drive motor system for the McMurtry Spéirling Pure Electric Fan Hypercar. The system mates with McMurtry’s gearbox.
The Spéirling runs two Helix SPX242-94 motors at the rear and can deliver up to 1,000hp. Helix’s bespoke electric propulsion system works with McMurtry’s proprietary Downforce-on-Demand™ fan system to deliver groundbreaking performance.
The Spéirling can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 1.5 seconds and cover a quarter of a mile in 8 seconds. It has already achieved records at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Laguna Seca Hill Climb. It has also set the fastest-ever lap of the Top Gear test track.
Helix has confirmed its electric motors for the McMurtry Spéirling PURE production car. The programme targets first customer deliveries in 2026.
Helix developed the SPX242-94 from its scalable core technology range. It ranks among the most powerful electric motors the company has ever produced. Each unit provides 500Nm of torque in an ultra-lightweight 33kg package.
The SPX242-94 packaging unlocks new automotive design possibilities. It lets engineers use space more effectively within the Spéirling’s compact, single-seater configuration.
Building on the success of the Spéirling programme, a new division, McMurtry Technology, now offers OEMs access to proven technologies for their own programmes. These include fan-downforce systems that enhance performance and safety, high-performance batteries with tailored designs or modules developed for the Spéirling, and e-axles that deliver proven powertrain performance.
Simon Mead, Automotive Chief Engineer at Helix, said: "The McMurtry Spéirling is an exceptional example of British engineering, and demonstrates one of the most effective applications of advanced electric motor technology. We are proud to have been involved in its journey from an early stage, with Helix drive motor propulsion systems featuring throughout the evolution of this groundbreaking hypercar, from prototype to production. The partnership between Helix and McMurtry reflects our passion for pushing boundaries and driving the advancement of next-generation propulsion systems."
Helix has roots in motorsport, and its motors, inverters, and electric propulsion units feature across Formula E and other racing series. Helix technology also powers record-breaking hypercars such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Lotus Evija and Czinger 21C. In recent years, Helix has applied its power-dense electric drive systems to electrification programmes in aerospace, defence, and marine. The company has worked with current and past partners across vertical take-off and landing vehicles, space launch providers, racing boats and yachts, and defence platforms that operate on land, at sea, and in the air.
