At the 2024 Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG displayed its PureSpeed sportscar as a concept vehicle. The completely open, 2‑seater performance car with neither roof nor windscreen is the first of the Mythos series of exclusive cars from the high-performance division of the German automaker.
Only 250 units
The radical design concept, which references the design language of legendary racing cars, will have a limited run of 250 units with deliveries starting in 2025.
Final phase of development
Mercedes-AMG engineers are now commencing the final phase in the development, with prototypes undergoing real-world test drives which will total more than 3,000 kms. These drives are being done on a variety of different roads in northern Italy and will later also include the high-speed test track in Nardo.
Total vehicle testing on public roads is undertaken in cooperation with project partner Pininfarina, renowned experts in small‑volume specialist projects.
During these drives, the development team is focusing on a broad spectrum of tasks – necessary for testing the high quality of the car under real‑life driving conditions. These are to ensure the functionality and interaction of all systems and components.
Likewise, the spectacular body concept is being evaluated in wide-ranging situations for adherence to exacting quality standards. On top of that, experts are carrying out fine-tuning under extremely dynamic handling and at high speeds on the test track.
HALO system from F1
One of the two-seater’s highlights is the HALO system, which replaces the conventional A‑pillar. This element is derived directly from Formula 1 racing cars and has proven to protect the drivers in the most extreme roll-over situations.
As in the F1 cars, the aerodynamically optimised safety system in the PureSpeed consists of a curved bar fixed to the vehicle body. Two helmets, which are also aerodynamically optimised, have been designed and produced exclusively for the occupants of the car to provide additional protection and reduce the impact of the strong rush of air.
Many design features were inspired by the Mercedes‑AMG ONE hypercar – eg the technical, sharply cut visible carbonfibre parts in the lower section of the car which provide a strong contrast to the sensual, rounded shapes of the upper section.
The design of the wheels is characterised by the unique carbonfibre cladding on the front and rear wheel covers. The rear wheel covers are completely closed to improve aerodynamics but the front wheel covers are open to optimise airflow at the front end for brake cooling and downforce.
Typical of sportscars are the long bonnet and the very low front end with a pronounced ‘shark nose’. 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.
Added to this is the aerodynamically optimised, sportive bonnet with an additional air outlet. Small, transparent deflectors at the front and sides direct the wind over the cockpit.
