IWC Schaffhausen designs an exclusive custom watch for the new Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed Concept car, unveiled globally in Monaco in the days leading up to the Formula 1™ Grand Prix.
The unveiling of the new Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed Concept took place in an exclusive setting in Monaco. The vehicle was unveiled on a floating pontoon in the principality’s harbour, impressing the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team drivers and IWC ambassadors, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
The new Mercedes-Benz vehicle stands out for its exterior design, which is exclusive and radically open – without a roof or windshield – inspired by legendary race cars. It features striking paintwork with a gradient that transitions from red to graphite grey and black. The interior features additional highlights, including its exclusive colour and equipment concept, as well as a custom watch designed by IWC Schaffhausen on the dashboard.
The HALO system
A standout feature is the HALO system, which replaces the conventional A-pillar of the vehicle. This element is a direct derivative of the pinnacle of motorsport and has been a part of all Formula 1™ vehicles since 2018. It protects the driver’s head in case of an accident. The name HALO describes its shape. Just like in Formula 1™, the safety system of the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed Concept consists of a support connected to the vehicle’s body. This aerodynamically optimized component serves to protect the occupants, just like in Formula 1™. Two aerodynamically optimized helmets specially designed and manufactured for the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed Concept are included. The field of vision, as in Formula 1™, becomes a reality for two people in this way. Neither the roof, nor the windshield, nor the side windows separate them from their surroundings. The interior adds further highlights with its exclusive color scheme and equipment, along with a custom-designed watch by IWC Schaffhausen on the dashboard.
Design inspired by the hypercar Mercedes-AMG ONE
The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed concept is a true high-performance car with an extremely low silhouette. Many design features are inspired by the hypercar Mercedes-AMG ONE: the sharply cut and visible carbon fiber technical components on the underside of the vehicle strongly contrast with the sensual and rounded shapes of the upper part.
The wheel design is characterized by the exclusive carbon fiber cladding of the front and rear hubcaps. The rear hubcaps are completely enclosed to improve aerodynamics. The front hubcaps are open to optimize airflow at the front for brake cooling and aerodynamic load.
Characteristic of a sports car are the long hood and the very low front end with a pronounced “shark nose”. The front design is similar to that of the Mercedes AMG ONE, featuring a wide lower air intake with the AMG inscription and a dark chrome Mercedes star on the soft nose. Added to that is the sporty, aerodynamically optimized hood with an additional air outlet. Small transparent deflectors on the front and sides direct the wind over the cockpit.
The precision work of the design team is also evident in the aerodynamically folded lining of the side sills. The muscular shoulders over the wide rear track wheels blend with the elegant trunk lid and the rear diffuser that enhances the width.
Tribute to Legendary Mercedes Models
Many other design details also pay homage to motorsport. The two buttresses behind the seats evoke legendary racing cars like the 300 SLR, with which Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson won the 1955 Mille Miglia in Italy, achieving a record average speed of an incredible 157 km/h on public roads.
The striking paintwork, in a gradient of colors ranging from Le Mans red to graphite gray with a black AMG accent, alludes to the color combination of the victorious Mercedes at the 1924 Targa Florio in Sicily. It was painted red, a color typically reserved for Italian vehicles. German racing cars were typically painted white. The red paint was intended to dissuade local fans from obstructing the car’s progress in the race. The ploy worked. After 6 hours, 32 minutes, and 37.4 seconds, and a race distance of 432 kilometers, the victorious 2-liter Mercedes with number 10 crossed the finish line first with Christian Werner at the wheel. The number 10 is also found on the front fenders of the Concept Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, referencing that victory at the Targa Florio 100 years ago.
