THE first model in the strictly limited Mercedes-Benz Mythos series, the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed was given its world premiere at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The German car maker says it offers an uncompromising realisation of a fully open, two-seater performance car with no roof or windscreen is a tribute to racing to create an unforgettable driving experience.

It also features an F1-style HALO in place of a windscreen pillar.

"The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is the most direct way to experience performance and fun at the wheel. Thanks to the car's radically open design with no roof or windscreen, nothing separates the driver and passenger from the elements, allowing them to fully appreciate the vehicle, the road and the landscape with all their senses. The striking design reinterprets elements of legendary racing cars and makes for a fascinating, timeless silhouette.

"In this way, the PureSpeed bundles the traditional strengths of AMG: highly emotional and very high performance vehicles that inspire - at a glance and behind the wheel," said Michael Schiebe, the chief executive of Mercedes-AMG.

The exclusive small series is strictly limited to 250 models.

The design of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed is characterised by a combination of a low silhouette, a long bonnet and a very low front end with a distinctive shark nose.

With wide air intake, AMG lettering and a dark, chrome-plated Mercedes star on the soft nose, the front resembles the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

In addition, the car features an aerodynamically optimised bonnet.

Aerodynamic, sharply defined visible carbon fibre elements in the lower part of the car make for a strong contrast to the round shapes of its upper part. The boot lid and rear diffuser are also aerodynamically optimised. Their design takes the lack of a roof into account.

The design of the 21-inch forged aluminium wheels is characterised by carbon fibre covers on the front and rear axles.

The rear covers are fully closed for less air resistance. The front covers are open to optimise front end airflow and brake cooling.

The design team's precision work can also be seen in the side sill trim with aero flics. The muscular shoulders above the wide-track rear wheels merge into the elegant boot lid and the wide rear apron.

Another highlight is the HALO system, which the car uses instead of the conventional A-pillar.

This element was inspired by the premier class of motorsport and has been part of every Formula 1 vehicle since 2018. It protects the driver's head in the event of an accident.

The safety system in the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed consists of a tubular steel bracket. The bifurcated safety feature is firmly attached to the car's shell structure.

The roll-over protection system also features two rigid roll bars that are concealed beneath the aerodynamic scoops. These components are also part of the shell structure. As one interesting detail, HALO is indirectly lit at the bottom by narrow LED strips, taking ambient lighting to a new level.

There are also two aerodynamically optimised helmets designed and manufactured specifically for the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed.

They come in the colour of the car and have an intercom communication system. The helmets allow the driver and passenger to communicate clearly, even at high speeds. As an additional feature, smartphones can be paired with the intercom system, allowing the driver and passenger to talk on the phone and listen to music through the helmets' speakers.

The two scoops behind the seats bear the AMG emblem and are reminiscent of legendary racing cars such as the 300 SLR, the car that Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove to victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia in Italy. Fittingly, the PureSpeed comes in an exclusive Silver Arrow finish in mystic silver magno.

The optional motorsport styling package offers finishes that range from Le Mans red to graphite grey with a black AMG pattern. In a tribute to the colour of the Mercedes that won the Targa Florio race in Sicily 100 years ago. The car was finished in red, a colour only used by Italian manufacturers at the time.

German racing cars, on the other hand, were traditionally white. The red finish was intended to prevent Italian motorsport tifosi from trying to obstruct the German car.

To commemorate the victory 100 years ago, the motorsport styling package features a ‘10' on the front wing.

To protect the car from inclement weather such as rain when parked, a protective weather cover is available as standard. It is stretched over the interior, including the HALO, and fastened to the wheel arches in the traditional way. ach customer also

It is powered by an AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 585ps of maximum power giving it's a 0 to 62mph performance of 3.6 seconds and a maximum of some 187mph.

The PureSpeed comes with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and active ride control as well as a high-performance ceramic composite braking system and active rear-axle.

There is no word on pricing at the moment but the Purespeed can be expected to top the near £200,000 of the SL 63 E Performance roadster.