- Mercedes-AMG revealed the PureSpeed concept, previewing the debut model for the brand’s new Mythos series of ultra-rare models.
- The PureSpeed is all about open-air driving, forgoing a roof, windshield, and side windows in favor of a Formula 1-inspired halo bar.
- The PureSpeed draws styling inspiration from the AMG One hypercar along with the 300 SL, production is limited to just 250 units globally.
The first vehicle in the ultra-rare Mercedes Mythos series is here, with Mercedes-AMG revealing the PureSpeed concept ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix on May 26. The PureSpeed is a two-seater roadster focused on open-air driving. It trades a roof, windshield, and side windows in favor of the main attraction: a Formula 1-inspired halo bar.
Mercedes hasn’t said it outright, but the PureSpeed is pretty clearly the company’s SL-class convertible minus the roof and windshield. Along with the bodywork, the concept nabs the headlights and taillights from the standard SL.
Other styling cues for the concept are drawn from motorsport icons in the company’s history. According to Mercedes, the flying buttresses behind the seats are inspired by the likes of the 300 SLR driven to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson. Further styling details like carbon-fiber wheel covers that improve aero efficiency and help cool the brakes take after the AMG One hypercar.
The gradient paintwork moves from red at the front of the car to graphite gray and black at the rear. Mercedes says the red paint is a nod to the 1924 Targa Florio race in Sicily, where the company painted its vehicles red to avoid being impeded by fans throughout the race.
Mercedes has not disclosed the PureSpeed’s output or powertrain, but it’s likely the exclusive model will feature either the 577-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 from the SL63 or the bonkers 805-hp hybrid setup in the SL63 S E Performance.
“As the concept of our first Mythos vehicle, it embodies the highest level of exclusivity,” said AMG chairman Michael Schiebe.
Pricing for the PureSpeed hasn’t been revealed, but getting your hands on one would be a challenge, even if you’ve got the funds. That’s because as part of the new Mythos series, Mercedes is keeping production to just 250 units globally. If you’re lucky enough to buy one, Mercedes will even throw in a pair of “aerodynamically optimized” helmets. Neat.
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.