Mercedes-AMG Mythos PureSpeed Concept Bows In Monaco

New Mercedes-AMG Mythos PureSpeed Concept unveiled ahead of this weekend's Monaco F1 race is based on the SL roadster.

The seventh-generation SL (R232) roadster built by Mercedes-AMG has taken on a radical new persona through its latest offshoot. Revealed ahead of this weekend’s Monaco F1 race weekend in the new Mercedes-AMG Mythos PureSpeed Concept pictured.

This two-seat, open-top speedster is a prelude to the first car in the newly devised Mythos range by Mercedes-AMG. Said performance arm of the three-point star are set to build and market ultra-limited special models under this banner.

No windscreen or roof in this special speedster. Instead, it gets an F1-inspired 'halo' construct.

What really sets this concept apart from the regular SL base is its apparent lack of a roof or windscreen. It ditches either for an F1-inspired ‘Halo’ rollover bar. Not only does this look the part, it’s also a proven safety tech – the Verstappen-Hamilton clash at Monza comes to mind.

"Radically open, neither a roof nor the windscreen separate the two passengers from the elements. You can experience light, air and passion unfiltered with all your senses,” says Mercedes-AMG boss Michael Schiebe, about the Mythos PureSpeed Concept.

Both the striking red-black livery and #10 racing number pays homage to Mercedes' 1928 Targa Florio-winning racecar.

That aside, much of the SL-based Mythos PureSpeed Concept’s design comes heavily inspired by the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar. Notable touches present here too include prominent grille areas up front and in the rear.

The radical design is capped off with a striking livery that fades from red to grey, and it also wears a number 10. Both the livery and latter number pays homage to the historic Mercedes racecar that won the 1924 Targo Florio.

Underneath, the Mythos PureSpeed Concept underpins the SL63 4Matic+ - the most powerful non-electrified SL trim.

Underneath, the concept underpins the SL63 4Matic+ model, which packs Mercedes-AMG’s signature hand-built 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo mill that outputs 585 HP and 800 NM – the most powerful non-electrified version of the SL roadster Mercedes-AMG currently markets.

Mercedes-AMG didn’t disclose any performance claims. However, expect this concept, and its eventual production version, to better its base car’s figures – 0-100 KM/H in 3.6 seconds plus a claimed V-max of 315 KM/H.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team stars Lewis Hamilton and George Russel sizing up the Mythos PureSpeed Concept in Monaco. 

Speaking of production, a 250-unit run is being planned for next year, and sales will be done by invitation basis. Mercedes-AMG adds buyers will be hand-picked, and those who agree to an allocation will also receive a pair of “aerodynamically optimised” helmets to match the car.

There’s no word on price either, but expect this ultra-limited special based on the SL roadster to command serious premiums. For reference, the Mercedes-AMG SL roadster in base SL43 form launched locally last year starts at RM999,888.