Mercedes-AMG unveils F1-inspired PureSpeed ​​concept car

MANILA: Mercedes-AMG presents the PureSpeed ​​concept at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix as the first in its Mythos line of cars.

According to the German automaker, the two-seater was specially designed to provide a taste of what it’s like to drive an F1 car.

To achieve this, the PureSpeed ​​received some unusual design elements.

On the one hand, it lacks a proper windshield and side windows, so its occupants will have to make do with the aero helmets that come with the vehicle. But most striking is the fact that Mercedes-AMG also removed the regular A-pillars and instead gave the car a ‘Halo’.

The aforementioned Halo is a derivative of the Halo driver crash protection system currently used in F1 and other open-wheel racing series. In the context of the PureSpeed, this part comes in the form of a support attached to the vehicle body.

Much like the Halo on F1 cars, Mercedes-AMG said the Halo on the PureSpeed ​​ensures aerodynamic efficiency and crash safety for both vehicle occupants. Additionally, Mercedes-AMG GmbH and responsible for Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Maybach, Michael Shiebe says that being exposed to the elements and being surrounded by the Halo is part of the exhilarating F1 feeling that the PureSpeed ​​promises.

“The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed ​​concept offers a glimpse of what is probably the most direct way to experience performance and driving pleasure. Radically open, neither the roof nor the windshield separates the two passengers from the elements,” Schiebe said.

“You can experience light, air and unfiltered passion with all your senses. As a concept for our first Mythos vehicle, it embodies the highest level of exclusivity. Design elements such as the Halo also create a Formula 1 feel. So there is no better place for its world premiere than Monaco,” added Schiebe.

Other interesting design elements of the concept car are its low profile and pronounced shark-nose front end. He also borrowed part of the Mercedes-AMG One elements of the supercar, namely its large lower air intake.

The PureSpeed ​​also gives a nod to old Mercedes legends. In homage to the 300 SLR driven to victory by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson at the 1955 Mille Miglia in Italy, the PureSpeed ​​receives two flying buttresses behind its seats.

Its gradient paint from red to graphite gray and the “number 10” sticker on the concept’s front fenders recall the colors of the Mercedes car that won the 1924 Targo Florio race in Sicily.

According to Mercedes-AMG, they will launch the PureSpeed ​​as a “small series model” with production limited to just 250 units. No target date for release or pricing has been shared, but BMW says it is positioning the Mythos range as a whole as a series of highly exclusive cars.

The high performance arm of Mercedes-Benz also didn’t share exact details regarding the PureSpeed’s powertrain. There’s no doubt, however, that it will be a great engine, suited to a car that is essentially an homage to Formula 1.

Mercedes-AMG photos

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