Exciting, energising and breathtaking – the Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed concept is the highlight in the run-up to the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The radical design of a completely open, two-seater performance car without a roof or windscreen is a tribute to motor racing. The concept car previews the first model in the minimal Mercedes-Benz Mythos series.
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The world premiere of the Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed occurred in an exclusive setting on the sidelines of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The vehicle was unveiled on a floating pontoon in the principality’s harbour and also impressed Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team racing drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
The Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed celebrates the unique tradition of Mercedes‑Benz with pure and uncompromising race-car design, innovative materials and modern technology. The limited series of 250 units will only be available to the most dedicated Mercedes‑Benz enthusiasts and collectors. Inspired by legendary race cars, the combination of unrivalled racing aesthetics and highly dynamic performance makes the Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed a unique driving machine for connoisseurs. It embodies the “pinnacle of exclusivity” from Mercedes-Benz in the top segment.
The Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed offers a glimpse of the most direct way to experience performance and driving pleasure. 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. 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.
Michael Schiebe
Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH
HALO system instead of A-pillar
One highlight is the HALO system, which replaces the conventional A-pillar on the vehicle. This element is a direct derivative of the premier motorsport class and has been part of every Formula 1 vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The name HALO describes its shape. As in Formula 1, the Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed’s safety system consists of a bracket connected to the vehicle’s body. This aerodynamically optimised component protects the occupants, just as in Formula 1. Two aerodynamically optimised helmets specially designed and manufactured for the Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed are included. The field of vision, as in Formula 1, thus becomes a reality for two people. Neither roof, windscreen, nor side windows separate them from their surroundings. The interior adds further highlights with its unique colour and equipment concept and a custom clock designed by IWC Schaffhausen on the dashboard.
Design inspired by the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar
The Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed concept is a performance car with an extremely low silhouette. The Mercedes‑AMG ONE hypercar inspired many design features – technical, sharply cut, visible carbon fibre parts in the lower section of the vehicle provide a strong contrast to the sensual, rounded shapes of the upper part of the vehicle.
The wheels’ design is characterised by the unique carbon fibre cladding on the front and rear wheel covers. The rear wheel covers are entirely closed to improve aerodynamics, while the front wheel covers are open to optimise airflow at the front end for brake cooling and downforce.
The long bonnet and very low front end with a pronounced “shark nose” are typical of a sports car. The front design is similar to the Mercedes‑AMG ONE, with a wide lower air intake with AMG lettering and a dark, chrome-plated Mercedes star on the soft nose. An aerodynamically optimised, sportive bonnet with an additional air outlet is added. Tiny, transparent deflectors at the front and sides direct the wind over the cockpit.
The design team’s precision work can also be seen in the side-sill panelling with aero flicks. The muscular shoulders above the wide-track rear wheels merge into the elegant boot lid and the width-emphasising rear apron.
Homage to legendary Mercedes models
Many other design details also pay homage to motorsport. The two flying buttresses behind the seats are reminiscent of legendary racing cars such as the 300 SLR, in which Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won the 1955 Mille Miglia in Italy – with a record average speed of an incredible 157 km/h on public roads.
The eye-catching paintwork – in a colour gradient from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern – alludes to the colour scheme of the victorious Mercedes car at the 1924 Targa Florio race in Sicily. It was painted red, which was typically reserved for Italian vehicles. German race cars were traditionally painted white at the time. The red paint was meant to deter local fans from impeding the car’s progress in the race. The coup worked. After 6:32:37.4 hours and a race distance of 432 kilometres, the victorious Mercedes 2-litre race car with the number 10 crossed the finish line in first place with Christian Werner behind the wheel. The number 10 can also be found on the front wings of the Concept Mercedes‑AMG PureSpeed, which refers to that Targa Florio victory 100 years ago.
