Let’s face it, the ultra-rich have it fairly tough nowadays. How are the millionaires and billionaires of the world anticipated to decide on what unique limited-run particular version vehicles so as to add to their collections? These people actually simply can’t catch a break, as a result of now Mercedes-AMG’s first Mythos collection mannequin, the windshield-less PureSpeed, is able to tackle the world after being revealed as a prototype earlier this 12 months. 250 of the SL-based PureSpeed shall be constructed, and whereas Mercedes nonetheless hasn’t instructed the world how a lot cash each will value, it’s certain to have plenty of zeroes in its price ticket.
Mercedes unveiled the PureSpeed idea earlier this 12 months on the Monaco Grand Prix, and the official manufacturing mannequin fortunately doesn’t look a lot completely different. This time Mercedes selected the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to unveil the manufacturing automobile, and there’s logic to the mannequin’s F1 debut. Like each single System 1 automobile since 2018, the PureSpeed could not have a windshield, roof, or A-pillar, but it surely does have a Halo system to guard occupants within the occasion of a crash. The PureSpeed’s Halo is oriented in another way than in F1 vehicles, because it bisects the 2 seats and extends from the firewall straight again between the 2 inflexible roll bars behind every seat. The Halo within the PureSpeed additionally options ambient lighting on the underside, which should look superior, however sadly there are not any pictures that present it. What does all of it add as much as? A very distinctive design that appears like no different automobile on the highway, even when put in opposition to different windshield-free supercars.
For a particular version automobile that’s a tribute to racing, the PureSpeed must have critical efficiency chops, and whereas it does, it’s not a lot completely different from a traditional SL63. It makes use of AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, producing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed transmission that feeds torque to all 4 wheels. Mercedes-AMG claims the PureSpeed will go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a prime pace of 195 mph. In immediately’s loopy world, these numbers are stable if not all that spectacular, however the proletariat received’t be capable of ogle you very effectively when you’re driving too quick so who cares. Additionally, actually that prime pace is barely actually achievable with a helmet on. Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe says the PureSpeed is “probably the most direct approach to expertise efficiency and enjoyable on the wheel,” although, so it must be good.
A symphony of digital and mechanical wizardry come collectively to maintain the PureSpeed on the highway, together with semi-active hydraulic roll stabilization, ceramic composite brakes with six-piston entrance calipers, rear-axle steering, an extendible rear spoiler, and underbody aero that creates a Venturi impact to cut back raise on the entrance axle. Every automobile comes with two aerodynamically optimized helmets specifically made for the PureSpeed that embody a smartphone-compatible intercom system to permit driver and passenger to speak with one another, take heed to music or make calls.
An accessible two-tone paint scheme is a tribute to previous race vehicles, and the PureSpeed’s inside options distinctive efficiency bucket seats and a two-tone steering wheel to carry some visible aptitude. And what’s a restricted manufacturing mannequin with no fancy clock? Patrons can relaxation simple understanding that IWC Schaffhausen designed an ornate, custom-made analogue clock that sits atop the middle of the dashboard.
There’ll solely be 250 Mercedes-AMG PureSpeeds produced, and neither pricing nor anticipated availability dates have been introduced but. It’s the first mannequin in Mercedes-Benz’s restricted manufacturing Mythos collection of vehicles, which suggests we’ve extra particular version fashions to look ahead to from the three-pointed star. Daring designs just like the PureSpeed are vital as they maintain automakers on their toes and push the boundaries of what’s doable, and it’s encouraging to see extra F1 expertise built-in into highway vehicles, particularly lifesaving expertise just like the Halo system.
