Away from the racing, this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix will also witness the public debut of a new Mercedes-AMG concept car.
Based on the Mercedes-AMG SL roadster, the PureSpeed reveals how the first model in the company’s new bespoke ‘Mythos’ range will look.
With obvious design inspiration from contemporary Formula 1 cars, plus a nod to Mercedes-Benz racing cars of the past, the PureSpeed certainly stands out.
A special floating pontoon in Monaco harbour was used to reveal the concept car, with help from Mercedes-AMG F1 drivers Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
A true Halo model
Instead of a traditional windscreen, the PureSpeed concept features a ‘Halo’ device like that found on a Formula one car. There are no side windows either, but the car’s two occupants can choose to wear aerodynamically optimised crash helmets.
This is not the first roadgoing Mercedes to use a Halo device, however. Dutch entrepreneur Ronald Bussink previously created the Mercedes-AMG GT R-based Speedlegend.
The PureSpeed also shares design features with the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, such as its gaping front air vents and other aerodynamic addenda.
Flying buttresses behind the cockpit are intended to pay homage to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, used by Sir Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson to win the Mille Miglia in 1955.
For the most important customers
The red and black livery is more than just an eye-catching colour scheme, too. It pays tribute to the Mercedes Tipo that was driven to victory in the 1924 Targa Florio by Christian Werner.
Although billed as a concept car, the PureSpeed will lead to a limited-edition supercar, which is set to enter production next year.
Exactly what engine is beneath the PureSpeed’s long bonnet has yet to be announced, although we know it has a V8. There is also no word on a price, even if that is unlikely to be a concern for the car’s 250 specially selected customers.
More bespoke vehicles are planned for the Mercedes Mythos programme, so it will be fascinating to see what comes next. A continuation 300SL ‘Gullwing’, perhaps? Here’s hoping…
ALSO READ: