Mercedes-AMG rolls out F1-inspired PureSpeed concept car

MANILA: Mercedes-AMG introduces the PureSpeed concept at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix as the first of its Mythos lineup of cars.

According to the German automaker, the two-seater was specifically designed to provide a glimpse into what driving an F1 car is like. 

To achieve that, the PureSpeed received some unusual design elements.

For one thing, it lacks a proper windshield and side windows so its occupants will have to do with aerodynamic helmets that go with the vehicle. But most striking of all is the fact that Mercedes-AMG also did away with regular A-pillars and instead gave the car a “Halo.”

The aforementioned Halo is a derivative of the Halo driver crash-protection system currently used in F1 and other open-wheel racing series. In the context of the PureSpeed, this piece comes in the form of a bracket that’s attached to the vehicle’s body. 

Just like the Halo on F1 cars, Mercedes-AMG said that the Halo on the PureSpeed ensures aerodynamic efficiency and crash safety for the vehicle’s two occupants. On top of that, Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Maybach divisions Michael Shiebe says that being exposed to the elements and being surrounded by the Halo is all part of the exhilarating F1 feel that the PureSpeed promises.

“The Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed offers a glimpse of what is probably the most direct way to experience performance and driving pleasure. Radically open, neither a roof nor the windscreen separate the two passengers from the elements,” Schiebe said. 

“You can experience light, air and passion unfiltered with all your senses. As the concept of our first Mythos vehicle, it embodies the highest level of exclusivity. Design elements such as the Halo also create a Formula 1 feeling. There is therefore no better place for its world premiere than Monaco,” Schiebe added. 

Other interesting design elements on the concept car are its low profile and a pronounced shark nose front end. It also borrowed some of the Mercedes-AMG One supercar’s bits namely its wide lower air intake. 

The PureSpeed likewise gives a nod to Mercedes legends of old. As a salute to the 300 SLR driven to victory by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson at the 1955 Mille Miglia in Italy, the PureSpeed gets two flying buttresses behind its seats. 

Its red to graphite grey gradient paint job and the “number 10” decal on the concept’s front wings meanwhile, is a call back to the colors of the Mercedes car that won the 1924 Targo Florio race in Sicily.

According to Mercedes-AMG, they will be releasing the PureSpeed as a "small series model" with a limited production run of just 250 units. No target date for the release or its pricing was shared, but BMW says that it is positioning the Mythos lineup as a whole as a highly exclusive series of cars. 

The high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz also didn't share any exact details regarding the PureSpeed’s powertrain. There’s no doubt though, that it’ll be a beast of an engine as fitting of a car that is essentially a tribute to Formula 1. 

Photos from Mercedes-AMG

Also read: 

Scuderia Ferrari HP signs former Mercedes AMG F1 members

Mercedes-Benz to continue power unit supply to Williams Racing till 2030