Mercedes AMG SL turns into a Speedster with PureSpeed Concept

This strategy will also include the launch of the new Mythos series, which will offer a highly bespoke limited edition car. The first of these is expected to launch next year, and Mercedes announced on Wednesday the Concept Mercedes-Benz AMG a thinly veiled concept called PureSpeed.

The concept was revealed in Monaco, where Mercedes' F1 team is competing at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. The team's drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, were on hand to help with the car's announcement.

As the name suggests, the concept is a pure speedster that is completely devoid of not only the roof but also the windscreen. However, the design differs from typical speedsters by integrating a halo protection system similar to that used in Equation 1. The halo is designed to provide protection to the occupant's head by deflecting large objects that may come galloping through the air, and uses a pair of tumble hoops mounted behind the seat. These are expected to be replaced by traditional windscreens for the production version, but small wind deflectors also help direct airflow over the cabin.

The front of the car features a more pronounced nose compared to the standard SL, which Mercedes said was inspired by the design of the Amg One hypercar. The new aerodynamic elements also feature, all made from carbon fiber, including an extended front splitter, side curtain and wheel cover. The front wheel cover is open to help air flow to enhance brake cooling and increase downforce, and the rear wheel cover is completely closed to help reduce turbulence.

As for the coloring of the concept, the number 10 refers to the Mercedes race number that led Christian Werner to victory in Targa Florio in 1924. The red paint is also a nod to its victory 1 century ago. Instead of the white paint used by German cars, Werner's cars were painted red to match the traditional racing colors used by Italian cars. According to Mercedes, this was done to prevent the Sicilian locals from interfering with the progress of the car in the race.

Among the concepts are custom-made trim and a custom dash-mounted clock designed by Mercedes partner watch company IWC Schaffhausen.

Details of the powertrain and chassis have not been disclosed. The output of the standard SL is currently top-out with the SL63S E Performance plug-in hybrid grade at 805 hp.

The production version of the PureSpeed concept will be limited to 250 units, Mercedes confirmed. Build slots will only be offered to those Mercedes described as their "most enthusiastic" customers, just as limited models from brands such as Ferrari and Lamborghini are on sale.