STUTTGART: Mercedes-AMG announced it has begun the final phase in the development of the exclusive PureSpeed sports car, which celebrated its world premiere as a concept vehicle in Monaco in May.
Prototypes of the limited-run model are currently undergoing test drives.
It starts on a variety of different roads in northern Italy before heading south to the high-speed test track in Nardò.
The radical design of the Purespeed is based on a highly modified AMG SL.
It is a completely open, two-seater performance car with neither roof nor windscreen, and is a homage to racing and must prove itself on this test programme over a total of over 3,000km.
During these drives, the development team is focusing on a broad spectrum of tasks – necessary for testing the high quality of the two-seater under real-life driving conditions.
These ensure the functionality and interaction of all systems and components. Likewise, the spectacular body concept is being evaluated in wide-ranging situations for adherence to exacting quality standards.
On top of that, experts are carrying out fine-tuning under extremely dynamic handling and at high speeds on the test track.
Total vehicle testing on public roads is undertaken in cooperation with project partner Pininfarina, renowned experts in small-volume specialist projects.
One of the two-seater’s highlights is the HALO system, which replaces the conventional A-pillar.
This element is derived directly from the world of F1. It protects the occupants in the event of an accident.
As in Formula 1, the aerodynamically optimised safety system in the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed consists of a curved bar fixed to the vehicle body.
Two helmets, which are also aerodynamically optimised, provide additional protection and were designed and produced for the PureSpeed.
Mercedes-AMG did not reveal what would power the car. However, the stock SL is equipped with a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 mill producing 577hp and 800Nm. There's also a plug-in hybrid V8 version that deals up 805hp and 1080Nm.
The small production run is limited to 250 and reserved for just a few enthusiasts and collectors.
It is the first model in the Mercedes-Benz Mythos series.
