AMG PureSpeed Is Mercedes’ New Halo Car

Revealed as a concept back in May 2024 the F1-inspired Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is now ready for the road.

It’s the first car in Mercedes’ Mythos series, which will be made in very limited numbers and sold to the company’s most loyal customers.

Based on the AMG SL the PureSpeed does away with any kind of weather protection for a raw roadster experience that harks back to the days of Stirling Moss and his 300 SLR on the 1955 Mille Miglia. PureSpeed pilots do at least get a pair of personalized helmets and the reassurance of a Formula 1-style HALO system.

A revised shark nose is modeled on the AMG One hypercar and there are numerous other changes to the bodywork including a more wind-cheating efficient hood, and a host of carbon fiber aero parts and a re-profiled trunk lid. The 21-inch forged aluminum wheels feature unique carbon covers to reduce drag. At the front they include openings for cooling but are enclosed at the rear.

Built around an aluminum spaceframe the PureSpeed uses a mix of aluminum, steel, magnesium and fiber composites in its construction. AMG Active Ride Control suspension is fitted, which deploys hydraulic stabilizers in lieu of conventional anti-roll bars. Carbon ceramic braking comes as standard, which is reassuring given the PureSpeed’s performance.

The four-liter biturbo V-8 engine delivers 585 horsepower and 590 lbft of torque, delivered to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. In keeping with its name PureSpeed shuns hybrid power in favor of combustion only. Nonetheless it will launch from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and go on to a breezy 196 mph.

At those speeds PureSpeed passengers won’t be able to hear the standard-issue 15-speaker Burmeister surround sound audio system, but each of the aerodynamic helmets supplied with the car has a headset built-in for communication and entertainment.

Just 250 PureSpeeds will be built and the price has only been revealed to those likely to purchase, which, sadly, isn’t us.