Wind in your hair: Mercedes has just unveiled the PureSpeed, a breathtaking supercar that throws caution—and the roof—to the wind. Inspired by the legendary 300 SLR, the same beast Stirling Moss drove to glory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, this machine is all about raw speed and unbridled exhilaration. Moss set a record with that car, averaging 97.5 MPH over the 995-mile racecourse, and the PureSpeed aims to capture that same spirit of velocity.
Mercedes claims this beauty will be the first in a new "Myth" series, dedicated to creating unique, limited-edition models. Production is capped at just 250 units, putting it in the exclusive company of rivals like the Ferrari Monza, McLaren Elva, and Aston Martin Speedster.
Familiar foundations: The initial photos released by Mercedes show prototypes tearing up the roads of northern Italy and the Nardo track. Stripped of any distractions like a roof or windshield, the PureSpeed features a unique beam between the driver and passenger, complemented by dual hoops behind the seats, forming a safety cage in case of a rollover. Additional aerodynamic tweaks are visible, enhancing its streamlined prowess.
Under the hood, the PureSpeed rides on the SL platform, with a powertrain likely similar to its stablemates: a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission (MCT) that uses a clutch system instead of a torque converter, along with a permanent all-wheel drive and a limited-slip rear differential.
Our take: The PureSpeed is Mercedes' bold attempt to elevate its status, not just against traditional competitors like BMW and Audi, but also against exotic titans from Italy and the UK. How well it fares and how distinct it will be from the SL on which it's based remains to be seen until its official debut. One thing is certain: with such limited production numbers, this masterpiece will likely spend more time as the crown jewel in collectors' garages than tearing up highways and racetracks.