Unleash Mythos Power: Mercedes Astonishes with AMG PureSpeed Concept

May 23, 2024 04:22 AM EDT

BLACK AND GRAY VEHICLE INTERIOR — (Photo : PEXELS/Mike Bird )

Mercedes-AMG introduced the PureSpeed prototype, offering a glimpse of the inaugural vehicle in the brand's fresh Mythos collection of highly exclusive models. No specifics on the powertrain have been disclosed; slated for release next year, with only 250 units set for production.

Mythos Lineup, PureSpeed Concept

Taking cues from the AMG One hypercar and the classic 300 SL, the PureSpeed model is limited to a global production run of merely 250 units. The design of PureSpeed is influenced by the AMG One and Formula 1, featuring elements such as the halo rollover bar, while being built upon the latest SL platform.

As per Autoblog, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the PureSpeed concept in Monaco prior to this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the principality. Starting with what appears to be the latest Mercedes-AMG SL model, designers opted to remove the top entirely instead of simply retracting it, resulting in the PureSpeed serving as a contemporary tribute to classic roadsters akin to the Ferrari Monza SP1 and Aston Martin V12 Speedster.

Beyond the evident features like the absence of a windscreen and roof, a subtle detail includes the #10 displayed on the front fenders, a nod to the race number of the supercharged 2.0-liter Mercedes that secured victory at the 1924 Targo Florio.

Additionally, numerous contemporary influences are evident. The term "halo" used by Mercedes pays homage to present-day Formula 1 vehicles and their carbon fiber supports designed to protect drivers. In contrast to the Formula 1 instances, the PureSpeed features a singular longitudinal brace extending from the cowl to the rear deck, rather than the traditional wishbone configuration.

Aesthetic Details

Autoblog further mentioned that the transition from Le Mans red at the top to graphite gray and exposed carbon fiber on the rear fascia and sides of the vehicle hints at the Mercedes-AMG One, mirroring elements like the broad front intake.

The wheels, featuring carbon fiber covers, allude to the design of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 racing car. Additionally, the bespoke IWC Schaffhausen clock serves as another unique interpretation of a signature Mercedes detail.

As per Car and Driver, additional design elements of the concept take inspiration from iconic motorsport figures in the brand's heritage. Mercedes credits the flying buttresses positioned behind the seats to legends like the 300 SLR that triumphed in the 1955 Mille Miglia with Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson at the helm.

Furthermore, intricate styling features such as carbon-fiber wheel covers, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance and aiding in brake cooling, are reminiscent of the design cues seen in the AMG One hypercar.

According to CarScoops, while Mercedes-Benz race cars were typically white a century ago, the team opted to emulate the appearance of red Italian cars to prompt spectators to clear the path when they raced. The victorious Mercedes in that event bore the number 10, a detail echoed by the PureSpeed displaying the same number on its front fenders.

Powertrain

Mercedes has ventured into the creation of its Mythos series to enter the profitable custom car market, a domain where competitors such as Ferrari and Aston Martin excel. Unlike those brands that typically retain the original engines of donor cars, Mercedes is expected to follow a similar approach, although no official information has been released.

It is probable that the vehicle is equipped with the SL63's 577 horsepower (585 PS) V8 engine rather than the hybrid-assisted V8 powertrain generating 805 horsepower (816 PS) found in the SL63 S E Performance model.