Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed launched with 585hp V8

Mercedes-AMG devotees will doubtless recall the PureSpeed, the first in the so-called Mythos series of low-volume models it plans to make, and memorable chiefly for its HALO system which replaced the conventional A-pillar on a car that obviously owed much to the current SL. We knew six months ago that the company was intent on selling the ‘radical’ open-top, two-seat derivative when it unveiled the concept at the Monaco GP. Now, using the Abu Dhabi GP for its world premiere, it has finally put some production meat on its striking bones. 

Probably the first (and arguably best) thing to know about the new PureSpeed is that it isn’t powered by electricity. It isn’t even a hybrid – despite having obvious access to the 816hp output available to the SL63 S E Performance. Instead, encouragingly, Mercedes-AMG has opted to stick with the same unassisted biturbo 4.0-litre V8 you get in the standard SL63, which means you get 585hp and 590lb ft via the familiar 9G MCT transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. For a car without a windscreen, this is likely to be ample: its maker reckons the Purespeed is good for 62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 195mph. 

The second thing, as you might have noticed, is the presence of the same open cockpit design as featured in the concept. The HALO system works in much the same way, too: a ‘robust tubular steel bracket’ is attached to the car’s underlying structure (the AMG sports car architecture it shares with the SL) before bifurcating behind its occupants’ heads – which it promises to protect in the event of a crash. The roll-over protection isn’t totally dependent on it – there are two rigid roll bars concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops that frame the headrests – and you’ll be wearing a bespoke ‘aerodynamically optimised’ helmet anyway (complete with intercom and smartphone connectivity), but no one could accuse the manufacturer of failing to follow through. 

Indeed, while the PureSpeed owes much to the SL, side-by-side comparison reveals some significant differences: yes, in its revised ‘shark nose’ front end and the transparent wind deflectors, but also in numerous carbon fibre aerodynamic elements dotted around the body, including an optimised boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser. The 21-inch forged aluminium wheels are bespoke to the limited edition model, too, and feature carbon fibre covers to reduce air resistance. The motorsport styling package pictured is apparently optional, although the Le Mans red is meant to pay tribute to the Mercedes that won the Targa Florio 100 years ago; ditto the number 10 on the front wing. 

Inside, the production version is certainly not a stripped-out racer: the two-tone interior is marked out by redesigned (and really rather fetching) AMG Performance seats, and leather and decorative stitching just about everywhere. There are no rear pews, of course, although there is a prominent backlit AMG badge that ought to go nicely with the LED lighting strips used to show off the HALO. Even more prominent is the custom-made analogue IWC clock in the middle of the dashboard, and a badge on the centre console that inevitably reads ‘1 out of 250’. If all that sounds a little bit too opulent to risk getting wet, then rest assured every example comes with a temporary weather cover – although it’s more likely the custom-made, PureSpeed-specific AMG indoor car cover will end up seeing more use. 

“Thanks to the car’s radically open design with no roof or windscreen, nothing separates the driver and passenger from the elements, allowing them to fully appreciate the vehicle, the road and the landscape with all their senses,” said Michael Schiebe, Mercedes-AMG CEO. “In this way, the PureSpeed bundles the traditional strengths of AMG: highly emotional and very high-performance vehicles that inspire – at a glance and behind the wheel.” No word yet on how much the first Mythos car actually costs, although on the basis that the most expensive version of the current SL already retails at £200k, we’d imagine you can start your guesstimating by doubling that figure.