Out of the blue comes this remarkable and wholly desirable sports car from premium German car maker, Mercedes-Benz. In a tie-up with the brand’s performance arm AMG, the company have produced this astonishing new, very limited edition model that is solely dedicated to the thrill of driving. Introducing the Mercedes-AMG Purespeed; possibly the most direct way to experience exhilarating performance and fun at the wheel.
Thanks to the car’s radically open design, there’s no roof or windscreen to spoil the view, nothing separates the driver and passenger from the elements (except the visor of a helmet), allowing the occupants to fully appreciate the vehicle, the road and the landscape in a totally sensory fashion. This striking design reinterprets elements of the legendary racing cars from years gone by and makes for a fascinating, timeless silhouette.
Automotive Beauty
The design of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is characterised by a combination of a low silhouette, a long bonnet and a very low front end with a distinctive shark-like nose. With a wide air intake, AMG lettering and a dark, chrome-plated Mercedes star right on the nose, the front also features an aerodynamically optimised bonnet.
Thanks to some extensive precision design, small, partially transparent deflectors on the car’s front and sides keep turbulence from bothering the driver and passenger. Aerodynamic styling and sharply defined visible carbon fibre elements in the lower part of the car make for a strong contrast to the sensual, round shapes of its upper part. The boot (trunk) lid and rear diffuser are also aerodynamically optimised. Their design takes the lack of a roof into account.
The design of the 21 inch forged aluminium wheels is characterised by carbon fibre covers on the front and rear axles. The rear covers are fully closed for less air resistance. The front covers are open to optimise front end airflow and brake cooling. The precision design can also be seen in the side sill trim with aero ‘flics’. The muscular shoulders above the wide-track rear wheels merge into the elegant boot lid and the wide rear apron.
The Halo
Another highlight is the HALO system, which the car uses instead of the conventional cabin A-pillars, where the windscreen is usually found. This surprising element was inspired by the premier class of motor-sport and has been part of every Formula 1 vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The safety system in the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed consists of a robust tubular steel bracket. This safety feature is firmly attached to the car’s shell structure and is aerodynamically optimised to protect both passengers; as such, it divides behind the car’s occupants.
The roll-over protection system also features two rigid roll bars that are concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops. These components are also part of the shell structure. As one interesting detail, HALO is indirectly lit at the bottom by narrow LED strips, taking ambient lighting to a new level.
With Helmets To Match
There are also two aerodynamically optimised helmets designed and manufactured specifically for the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed. They come in the colour of the car and have an intercom communication system. The helmets allow the driver and passenger to communicate clearly, even at high speeds. As an additional feature, smartphones can be paired with the intercom system, allowing the driver and passenger to talk on the phone and listen to music through the helmets’ speakers.
A Prestige Interior
With its classic two-tone colour and equipment concept in crystal white/black, the interior adds additional highlights. AMG-designed and exclusive ‘Performance’ seats with special leather covers and unique decorative stitching offer optimal lateral support. Their design with flowing lines is inspired by the air that flows around the car. The heated multi-contour seats increase the comfort level while maintaining grip. The area behind the seats features carbon fibre. Integrated leather pads on the back continue the seats flowing lines, while the deep-pile AMG floor mats echo the seats colour, design and decorative stitching. The door sill trim also comes upholstered in leather. The AMG Performance steering wheel systematically continues the two-tone interior concept.
Another interior highlight is the custom-made analogue clock, prominently placed in the middle of the dashboard in a drop-shaped housing in glossy black on a base made of visible carbon fibre. The base of the clock features a sophisticated design that makes the clock appear to float. The premium chronometer has a PureSpeed specific dial. For optimum visibility, the dial is illuminated at dusk and in the dark.
The Burmester ‘High-End 3D Surround Sound’ system with no less than 15 speakers and 1,170 watts of system power make for an authentic sound experience surprisingly similar to a summer open air festival. A badge in the centre console reads ‘1 out of 250’ to indicate the model is part of the strictly limited ‘Mythos’ series.
To protect the car from inclement weather such as rain or storms when parked, a protective weather cover is available as standard. It is stretched over the interior, including the HALO, and fastened to the wheel arches in the traditional way. All fortunate owners also receive a custom-made, PureSpeed specific AMG indoor car cover. With a breathable outer skin of tear-resistant synthetic fibres and an anti-static inner fabric of flannel, it protects the car from dust and scratches in the garage.
The Power
At the heart of this small sports machine is a sonorous AMG 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine with an astonishing 577bhp (585 PS) of maximum power and 800 Nm of maximum torque, the whole providing, to say the least, dynamic propulsion and excellent driving performance. Combined with the special design concept of this radical car, the whole creates a uniquely exciting driving experience, because the open design makes even lower speeds feel subjectively much faster. As for those speeds, well, the car goes from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in a snappy 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 195mph (315 km/h). Yes, you read that correctly. Imagine: Especially when this is backed up by the now legendary AMG V8 engine sound, a howl which can be felt even more directly in the open air.
Drive is through the AMG ‘Speedshift MCT 9G’ transmission combines a direct shifting experience with extremely short shifting times. A wet starting clutch replaces the torque converter. This reduces the car’s weight and, thanks to its lower mass inertia, optimises the response to accelerator commands, particularly during sprinting. Thankfully, delivering that much required traction and driving stability is a fully variable all-wheel-drive AMG set-up coupled with rear-axle steering. This intelligent system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: Fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles ensures optimal traction at the physical limit, as well as high driving stability and safety in all conditions.
This safety aspect is enhanced further by semi-active roll stabilisation and optimal deceleration thanks to the innovative AMG ‘Active Ride Control’ suspension making for stabilisation and optimum road contact. Instead of conventional mechanical lateral stabilisers, the system uses active hydraulic elements that compensate for rolling movements in fractions of a second. The system further enables optimum steering and load-changing behaviour with AMG-typical handling including dynamics, precision and driver feedback. At the same time, it increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead and when driving over bumps. The wide-track rear axle increases agility, which is particularly noticeable on winding country roads and just as well too. What a car! Just like the old days.
MHH International & Mercedes-Benz
As mentioned this delightful prestige vehicle is a limited edition and is about the art of driving and nothing more. Fortunately, the German car manufacturer also offers a huge range of vehicles from hatchbacks, through premium saloons for business and pleasure and practical SUV’s, all in a range of power options, including those breathed on by the fiery breath of AMG.
You can see the current stock of Mercedes-Benz vehicles here on the comprehensive MHH International website. Find out about our export service and VAT-free options from the UK to global destinations like Kenya, Ireland, Cyprus, New Zealand and many other destinations.
