Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed: An SL 63 sans a windscreen and a roof
The last time we saw a car with no windscreen and no roof was with the formidable Aston Martin V12 Speedster and the McLaren Elva, which were not only striking but also different in their unconventional approach to open-air motoring.
Now, Mercedes-AMG is the latest manufacturer to introduce something similar: the PureSpeed, which is based on the current SL and follows the same ethos as the Elva, as mentioned earlier, and the V12 Speedster. It is the first model in the strictly limited Mythos series, which pays homage to the brand's racing heritage, and the marque has stated that only 250 models will be built for global customers.
It’s aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and despite the lack of a windscreen and a roof, it’s still an AMG, courtesy of a low silhouette, a long bonnet, and a low front end with a distinctive shark nose. These are further complemented by a wide air intake, AMG lettering, and a dark chrome-plated Mercedes star on the nose that resembles that of the Nurburgring record holder, the AMG One. It rides on a set of 21-inch forged aluminium wheels with carbon fibre covers on the front and rear axles.
Safety, of course, has not been overlooked. The engineers have integrated a halo protection system similar to that fitted on Formula 1 race cars, constructed from steel rather than F1’s carbon fibre. There are also dual rollover hoops behind the seats for added protection.
As for the aerodynamics, there are small wind deflectors that guide airflow over the occupant's heads. Just like in F1, helmets are required for excessive speeds; the good thing is that Mercedes-AMG offers matching helmets fitted with a communications system. Then you get other features that pay homage to motorsport, such as the two scoops behind the seats with an AMG insignia similar to that of the iconic 300 SLR that once won the 1955 Mille Miglia.
In true AMG fashion, it’s powered by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with 430kW and 800Nm, enough to catapult the roadster from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds before maxing out at 315km/h. Epic. It shifts through a 9-speed automatic transmission.
At this stage, we still don’t know how much the PureSpeed costs but expect to pay a significant premium over the SL 63 on which it’s based. Affordable or not, it’s every bit a true AMG simply because it retains the V8 associated with the AMG moniker.
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