The new Mercedes-AMG Purespeed
As the first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed celebrated its world premiere at the Formula 1TM 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 certainly offers a different driving experience. The car celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s tradition in motorsport with its racing car design, the exclusive small series is strictly limited to 250 models.
One of the car’s highlights 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 1TM vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The roll-over protection system also features two rigid roll bars that are concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops.
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.
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 driving performance. 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 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 195 mph.
Words by Mark Slack
