PureSpeed concept previews Mercedes-AMG Mythos series

A production version of the PureSpeed concept two-seat speedster you see here will disrobe next year as the first car in the Mercedes-AMG Mythos series. Just 250 will be produced and are earmarked for Mercedes fans and collectors.

The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed concept is a two-seater speedster, inspired by the 300 SLR race car from the 1950s. It presages the first model in Mercedes’ upmarket ‘Mythos’ series that debuts next year. The unveiling of the concept took place in Monaco ahead of the F1 GP this weekend.

Styling influences include an extended bonnet, lack of a windscreen, side windows and roof, and two flying buttresses behind the seats. These features remind of historic race cars like the 300 SLR, famously driven by Stirling Moss. 

The Le Mans red paint harks back to Mercedes competing in the 1924 Targa Florio race in Sicily. Normally Mercedes racers were white back then but painting them red meant they were unlikely to be obstructed by locals, and the number 10 car marched to victory. The same number adorns the PureSpeed concept.

There are also Mercedes-AMG One hypercar cues, like the “shark nose” front end with the three-pointed star, and sizeable air intakes on either side of the bumper. 

The bonnet of the PureSpeed has an air outlet for cooling what is probably an AMG 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 beneath. Such a unit produces 430kW and 800Nm in the SL 63, upon which the Pure Speed is presumably based.

Other special details include carbon fibre aero cladding for the wheels, and a rear bumper that emphasises the car’s width. There’s also a halo structure, like on F1 cars, for crash protection. Replacing the A pillars, it is designed for head protection in a serious crash. Two aerodynamically designed helmets are part of the package, important given the lack of protective superstructure.