Mercedes has not simply topped its AMG SL—it’s given it a literal halo. With a System 1-style security bar, the €922,000 AMG PureSpeed is the wildest SL ever made.
If the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed seems acquainted, you’re not mistaken. Dutch coachbuilder Bussink as soon as provided an analogous idea because the Bussink GT R Speedlegend in very restricted numbers. Now AMG has adopted the novel concept of a no-roof, no-windscreen enjoyable roadster for itself—this time in a surprisingly giant run of 250 models. Value: €922,000, not together with the bespoke helmets. Sun shades alone gained’t minimize it; something above 60 km/h turns into uncomfortable, and previous 140 km/h, it feels such as you’re within the eye of a hurricane.
The idea will not be totally new—open two-seaters like this one evoke recollections of the legendary Mercedes 300 SLR or the limited-run SLR Stirling Moss. However that is no coachbuilt fantasy. AMG is launching a fully-fledged, factory-built hyper roadster that ditches roof and modesty alike. Instead of a windscreen is a System 1-style halo bar that hyperlinks visually and functionally to the world of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The look is audacious; the expertise much more so. Whether or not charging up a mountain highway or just parading by means of city, it is a automotive for spectacle—although one greatest loved after checking the climate forecast.
The distinctive security system features a metal halo bar built-in into the chassis, paired with a hard and fast roll hoop for structural stiffness. The matching helmets aren’t simply aesthetic—they arrive with an intercom so driver and passenger can discuss or take calls regardless of the wind howling by means of the open cockpit. Highlights from the SL carry over: leather-based bucket seats, a tactile steering wheel, upright infotainment display screen, and a carbon-surrounded IWC analogue clock.
Efficiency is simply as daring. The acquainted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 from the SL63 and GT delivers 430 kW / 585 PS and 800 Nm, punching the 1.9-tonne machine ahead with ferocity. Some would possibly marvel why AMG didn’t tune it additional, however even at this stage the PureSpeed delivers in spades: 0–100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and a high pace of 315 km/h, accompanied by a thunderous V8 soundtrack. Ceramic brakes encourage confidence from the primary press.
The tech suite is in depth. Regardless of the visible theatrics, the PureSpeed drives like a fully-fledged SL63: adaptive suspension, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering present on a regular basis usability and scalpel-sharp management. Aerodynamics, hydraulic roll stabilisation and exact steering make sure the automotive grips by means of speedy corners with tenacity. The 21-inch wheels chew into the tarmac, delivering driveability as spectacular as its look.
