Following its launch in concept form at this year’s F1 Monaco Grand Prix, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed has been signed off and is set to roll down the assembly line. Only 250 examples of the SL-based speedster will be made, each using the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 with 577bhp and 590lb-ft (800 Nm) on tap. 

Performance is sent to each corner via AMG’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, meaning the PureSpeed reaches 62mph in 3.6 seconds from rest, and a top speed of 196mph. The performance is reined in with standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, with six-piston callipers attached to the front axle, and grip comes courtesy of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres that envelop aerodynamically optimised 21” wheels.

Four-wheel steering comes as standard, with the rear axle turning in the opposite direction to the front below 62mph to increase agility, and in the same direction above 62mph to aid stability. Cornering is enhanced by the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active hydraulic roll stabilisation, which adapts to counteract body roll within fractions of a second. Active aerodynamics work to increase downforce – the rear spoiler rises from the boot lid above 50mph, but there is more going on out of sight.

A Venturi effect is created underneath the PureSpeed, as a carbon fibre element lowers by up to 40mm at speeds above 50mph. Reducing front-axle lift and pulling the car closer to the road surface, the increased downforce is said to improve steering precision at high speeds. When returning to urban areas, a front-axle lift system can be activated to avoid costly scrapes on speed bumps or when entering garages.

Paying homage to the 300SLR racer of the 1950s – and following in the footsteps of the 2009 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Edition – the PureSpeed joins the class of roofless special models such as the Aston Martin V12 Speedster, Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, and the McLaren Elva. While the lights, mirrors and doors are carried over from the SL, the front-end design is influenced by the AMG One hypercar, and the long bonnet gains a rear-facing outlet to vent hot air away from the engine bay. Two prominent roll hoops tower above the cabin, while an F1-inspired halo provides a visual link to the brand’s motorsport efforts and additional protection for the two occupants.

The PureSpeed is the only car in the entire Mercedes road car range to feature an analogue clock, as a bespoke timepiece from IWC sits in a teardrop-shaped cowling at the base of the halo. In true speedster fashion, the cabin is completely open with no roof, windscreen or windows. Two-tone black-and-white upholstery adorns each surface, with slimline two-piece heated seats featuring AIRSCARF neck-level heating for customers who truly believe in open-air driving all year round.

Cabin tech includes the MBUX touchscreen infotainment system and a customisable instrument cluster ahead of the driver. The Burmester surround sound system comes as standard, but for high-speed drives where rushing air may get in the way of music and conversation alike, the two racing helmets can help. Carrying the same two-tone Le Mans Red and Graphite Grey paint as the exterior, the helmets contain an intercom system allowing communication between the two occupants. Music can also be listened to through inbuilt speakers, although the best soundtrack on offer will certainly be coming from the M177 engine.

With the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, the first in a line of limited-edition Mythos series models has arrived. We can expect more bespoke high-performance models to follow in the coming years.