By Otsile Kadiege

As the first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed has celebrated its world premiere at the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The uncompromising realization of a fully open, two-seater performance car with no roof or windscreen is a tribute to racing and offers an unforgettable driving experience. It celebrates Mercedes-Benz’s tradition in motorsport with its thrilling racing car design, innovative materials and modern technology. The exclusive small series is strictly limited to 250 models.

Unique exterior design and styling

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 optimize 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.

HALO system

One of its highlights is the HALO system which replaces the conventional A-pillar on the vehicle. This element is a direct derivative of 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 name HALO describes its shape. As in Formula 1, the safety system in the Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed consists of a bracket that is connected to the body of the vehicle. This aerodynamically optimised component serves to protect the occupants, just as in Formula 1.

Included are two aerodynamically optimised helmets specially designed and manufactured for the Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. The field of vision as in Formula 1 thus becomes a reality for two people. Neither roof, windscreen nor side windows separate them from their surroundings. The interior adds further highlights, with its unique colour and equipment concept as well as a custom clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen on the dashboard.

Unique interior styling and technology

Inside, the PureSpeed is fitted with AMG Performance seats with special leather covers and unique decorative stitching. Their design with flowing lines is inspired by the air that flows around the car. The heated multi-contour 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.

Other interior highlights include the custom-made analogue clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen, a Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,170 watts of system power and 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.

Performance

Powering the PureSpeed is a AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 430 kW of maximum power and 800 Nm of maximum torque provides dynamic propulsion and excellent driving performance. It’s paired with an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission and has a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 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.

Other notable highlights include an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system,  AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active hydraulic roll stabilisation, standard AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system with 6-piston fixed brake callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear, and active rear-axle steering.