Heavily restyled, limited edition models have been money makers for more exclusive brands, such as Bentley and Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz is looking to get in on the action with its new Mythos range.
The Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, unveiled on the eve of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, previews the first model in the Mythos series, which is set to go into production some time in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz will build just 250 examples of the production vehicle.
Although clearly based on the latest Mercedes-AMG SL, the PureSpeed concept does without the standard car’s windscreen, A-pillar, and folding soft-top roof mechanism.
In place of the traditional windscreen and A-pillar setup is a Halo frame that bisects the cabin, and is similar to the ones installed on all Formula 1 race cars since 2018. There are small deflectors on the front and sides of the car that help to guide air away from the cabin.
While a pair of aerodynamic helmets are supplied with the car, there’s no space for any other passengers, with the rear seats replaced by a pair of flying buttresses.
The PureSpeed’s paint morphs from red to grey over the rear wheel arches.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the red paint is a call back to the company’s victorious vehicle in the 1924 Targa Florio race in Sicily. This car was painted red, like other Italian race cars of the era, to “deter local fans from impeding the car’s progress in the race”.
As well as being transformed from a convertible into a speedster, the PureSpeed has a unique front bumper that’s designed to resemble the Mercedes-AMG One.
The PureSpeed’s “shark nose” front end has a gloss black air intake with bold AMG lettering in white.
The large three-pointed star in sporty Mercedes models has been moved from its customary position in the middle of the grille to the top face of the bumper.
The PureSport rides on a set of star-shaped alloy wheels with a carbon-fibre inner ring. The space between the spokes in the front wheels is open to improve brake cooling and downforce, while the space between the spokes on the rear wheels is closed for improved aerodynamics.
Changes to the interior are relatively minor, with a unique colour scheme and clock by IWC Schaffhausen on the dashboard being the key differentiators.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t indicated which of the SL’s drivetrains powers the PureSpeed, but it’s likely to be either the 430kW/800Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the SL 63 4Matic+, or the 600kW/1080Nm V8 plug-in hybrid from the SL 63 S E-Performance.
With the production vehicle yet to be unveiled, it’s unclear how much the PureSpeed will cost. Even if you came home to find a stash of gold bars weighing down your closet, Mercedes-Benz says the PureSpeed to will “only be available to the most dedicated Mercedes‑Benz enthusiasts and collectors”.
