Mercedes is starting a new line of rare models called the Mythos series. The first car under the Mythos series was revealed at last weekend’s Monaco GP - the PureSpeed concept.
The PureSpeed concept is based on the SL convertible and has a halo, just like an F1 car. The halo means that there are no side windows, a windshield, or even a roof. "Radically open, neither a roof nor the windscreen separates the two passengers from the elements. You can experience light, air, and passion unfiltered with all your senses,” says AMG chairman Michael Schiebe. The buyers will also get a pair of "aerodynamically optimized" helmets, just in case you don’t want the air in your hair all the time.
The front of the car has a shark-like appearance instead of the Mercedes grille found on current models. There are echoes of past and present Mercedes models too. The lying buttresses behind the seats are a nod to the race-winning 300 SLR driven by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson in 1955’s Mille Miglia.
The carbon fiber wheel covers are borrowed from the AMG One hypercar. They optimize the airflow around the wheels and enhance brake cooling. The gradient paint transitioning from red at the front to graphite gray and black at the back pays homage to the Mercedes racer of the 1924 Targa Florio race in Sicily.
Little bit of motorsport trivia about the 1924 Targa Florio - the victorious Mercedes opted against the-then ubiquitous white paint for German races and went for red paint to deter enthusiastic local fans from potentially impeding its progress during the race. After a grueling race lasting 6 hours, 32 minutes, and 37.4 seconds, and covering 432 kilometers, the race-winning Mercedes 2-liter race car with number 10 crossed the finish line. Christian Werner was behind the wheel.
As a tribute to this remarkable victory at the Targa Florio race a century ago, the number 10 can also be found on the front wings of the modern Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed.
Quite surprisingly, Mercedes has remained coy regarding the PureSpeed’s powertrain. It is speculated that it will mostly be powered by the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 of the SL63. Whether the 577-hp V-8 will be chosen or 805-hp hybrid setup remains to be seen.
Only 250 units will be made and we reckon that the ownership club will be quite exclusive with Merc saying only "the most dedicated Mercedes‑Benz enthusiasts and collectors" will be offered the chance to buy the PureSpeed.
Michael Schiebe said: "The Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed offers a glimpse of what is probably the most direct way to experience performance and driving pleasure. As the concept of our first Mythos vehicle, it embodies the highest level of exclusivity.”
