Let’s face it, the ultra-rich have it pretty rough these days. How are the millionaires and billionaires of the world expected to choose what exclusive limited-run special edition cars to add to their collections? Those folks really just can’t catch a break, because now Mercedes-AMG’s first Mythos series model, the windshield-less PureSpeed, is ready to take on the world after being revealed as a prototype earlier this year. 250 of the SL-based PureSpeed will be built, and while Mercedes still hasn’t told the world how much money each one will cost, it’s bound to have a lot of zeroes in its price tag.
Mercedes unveiled the PureSpeed concept earlier this year at the Monaco Grand Prix, and the official production model thankfully doesn’t look much different. This time Mercedes chose the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to unveil the production car, and there’s logic to the model’s F1 debut. Like every single Formula 1 car since 2018, the PureSpeed may not have a windshield, roof, or A-pillar, but it does have a Halo system to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The PureSpeed’s Halo is oriented differently than in F1 cars, as it bisects the two seats and extends from the firewall straight back between the two rigid roll bars behind each seat. The Halo in the PureSpeed also features ambient lighting on the underside, which must look awesome, but sadly there are no photos that show it. What does it all add up to? A truly unique design that looks like no other car on the road, even when put against other windshield-free supercars.
For a special edition car that’s a tribute to racing, the PureSpeed ought to have serious performance chops, and while it does, it’s not much different from a normal SL63. It uses AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, producing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed transmission that feeds torque to all four wheels. Mercedes-AMG claims the PureSpeed will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 195 mph. In today’s crazy world, those numbers are solid if not all that impressive, but the proletariat won’t be able to ogle you very well if you’re driving too fast so who cares. Also, certainly that top speed is only really achievable with a helmet on. Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe says the PureSpeed is “the most direct way to experience performance and fun at the wheel,” though, so it ought to be good.
A symphony of electronic and mechanical wizardry come together to keep the PureSpeed on the road, including semi-active hydraulic roll stabilization, ceramic composite brakes with six-piston front calipers, rear-axle steering, an extendible rear spoiler, and underbody aero that creates a Venturi effect to reduce lift at the front axle. Each car comes with two aerodynamically optimized helmets specially made for the PureSpeed that include a smartphone-compatible intercom system to allow driver and passenger to communicate with each other, listen to music or make calls.
An available two-tone paint scheme is a tribute to past race cars, and the PureSpeed’s interior features unique performance bucket seats and a two-tone steering wheel to bring some visual flair. And what’s a limited production model without a fancy clock? Buyers can rest easy knowing that IWC Schaffhausen designed an ornate, custom-made analogue clock that sits atop the center of the dashboard.
There will only be 250 Mercedes-AMG PureSpeeds produced, and neither pricing nor expected availability dates have been announced yet. It is the first model in Mercedes-Benz’s limited production Mythos series of cars, which means we have more special edition models to look forward to from the three-pointed star. Daring designs like the PureSpeed are important as they keep automakers on their toes and push the limits of what’s possible, and it’s encouraging to see more F1 technology integrated into road cars, especially lifesaving technology like the Halo system.
