As the first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed (combined energy consumption: 13.7 l/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 312 g/km | CO₂ class: G)1 is celebrating its world premiere at the Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The uncompromising realisation of a fully open, two-seater performance car with no roof or windscreen is a tribute to racing and offers an unforgettable driving experience.
The design of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is characterised by a combination of a low silhouette, a long bonnet and a very low front end with a distinctive shark nose. With its wide air intake, AMG lettering and a dark, chrome-plated Mercedes star on the soft nose, the front resembles the Mercedes-AMG ONE. In addition, the car features an aerodynamically optimised bonnet. The aerodynamics team’s extensive precision work is also evident in the small, partially transparent deflectors on the car’s front and sides, which keep turbulence from bothering the driver and passenger. Aerodynamic, sharply defined visible carbon fibre elements in the lower part of the car make for a strong contrast to the sensual, round shapes of its upper part. The boot lid and rear diffuser are also aerodynamically optimised. Their design takes the lack of a roof into account.
The design of the 21-inch forged aluminium wheels is characterised by carbon fibre covers on the front and rear axles. The rear covers are fully closed for less air resistance. The front covers are open to optimise front end airflow and brake cooling. The front features 275/35 R 21 tyres on 9.5 J x 21-inch rims; the rear uses 305/30 R 21 tyres on 11.0 J x 21-inch rims.
The design team’s precision work can also be seen in the side sill trim with aero flics. The muscular shoulders above the wide-track rear wheels merge into the elegant boot lid and the wide rear apron.
Another highlight is the HALO system, which the car uses instead of the conventional A-pillar. This element was inspired by the premier class of motorsport and has been part of every Formula 1™ vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The safety system in the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed consists of a robust tubular steel bracket. The bifurcated safety feature is firmly attached to the car’s shell structure. The aerodynamically optimised component protects both passengers; as such, it bifurcates behind the car’s occupants. The roll-over protection system also features two rigid roll bars that are concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops. These components are also part of the shell structure. As one interesting detail, HALO is indirectly lit at the bottom by narrow LED strips, taking ambient lighting to a new level.
There are also two aerodynamically optimised helmets designed and manufactured specifically for the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. They come in the colour of the car and have an intercom communication system. The helmets allow the driver and passenger to communicate clearly, even at high speeds. As an additional feature, smartphones can be paired with the intercom system, allowing the driver and passenger to talk on the phone and listen to music through the helmets’ speakers.
Many other features are also a tribute to motorsport. The two scoops behind the seats bear the AMG emblem and are reminiscent of legendary racing cars such as the 300 SLR, the car that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia (a 1,000-mile race) in Italy. Fittingly, the PureSpeed comes in an exclusive Silver Arrow finish in mystic silver magno.
The optional motorsport styling package offers finishes that range from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern. The latter is a tribute to the colour of the Mercedes that won the Targa Florio race in Sicily exactly 100 years ago. The car was finished in red, a colour only used by Italian manufacturers at the time.
German racing cars, on the other hand, were traditionally white. The red finish was intended to prevent Italian motorsport tifosi from trying to obstruct the German car. The plan worked: With Christian Werner at the wheel, the Mercedes 2-litre racing car with the number 10 was the first to cross the finish line. To commemorate this victory 100 years ago, the motorsport styling package features a ‘10’ on the front wing.
With its classic two-tone colour and equipment concept in crystal white/black, the interior adds additional highlights. AMG Performance seats with special leather covers and unique decorative stitching offer optimal lateral support in addition to exclusive optics. Their design with flowing lines is inspired by the air that flows around the car. The heated multicontour seats increase the comfort level. The area behind the seats features carbon fibre. Integrated leather pads on the back continue the seats’ flowing lines, while the deep-pile AMG floor mats echo the seats’ colour, design and decorative stitching. The door sill trim also comes upholstered in leather. The AMG Performance steering wheel systematically continues the two-tone interior concept.
Another interior highlight is the custom-made analogue clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen. It is prominently placed in the middle of the dashboard in a drop-shaped housing in glossy black on a base made of visible carbon fibre. The base of the clock features a sophisticated design that makes the clock appear to float. The premium chronometer has a PureSpeed specific dial with AMG rhombi. For optimum visibility, the dial is illuminated at dusk and in the dark. The characteristic bezel underscores the visual affinity with the legendary IWC Ingenieur Collection. The Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,170 watts of system power make for an authentic sound experience similar to a summer open air festival. A badge in the centre console reads ‘1 out of 250’ to indicate the model is part of the strictly limited Mythos series.
To protect the car from inclement weather such as rain or storms when parked, a protective weather cover is available as standard. It is stretched over the interior, including the HALO, and fastened to the wheel arches in the traditional way. Each customer also receives a custom-made, PureSpeed specific AMG indoor car cover. With a breathable outer skin of tear-resistant synthetic fibres and an anti-static inner fabric of flannel, it protects the car from dust and scratches in the garage.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 430 kW (585 PS) of maximum power and 800 Nm of maximum torque provides dynamic propulsion and excellent driving performance. Combined with the special design concept of the PureSpeed, this creates a uniquely exciting driving experience, because the radically open design makes even lower speeds feel subjectively much faster. But the objective figures are impressive as well: the car goes from zero to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 315 km/h. Then there is the legendary AMG V8 engine sound, which can be felt even more directly in the PureSpeed.
