Mercedes Unveils the Mythos Speedster: A Roofless Marvel Set to Debut in 2024
Mercedes has a storied history of evolving its luxury branding to meet consumer demands. While the initial attempt at reviving the Maybach brand didn’t garner the success Mercedes hoped for, the rebranded Mercedes-Maybach has become a money-printing juggernaut for the German automaker. Now, Mercedes is set to introduce another ultra-luxury marque, dubbed Mythos, an endeavor that promises to push the boundaries of bespoke automotive craftsmanship.
Introducing Manufaktur
Before diving into the essence of Mythos, it's essential to understand what Manufaktur stands for in the Mercedes ecosystem. Unlike Porsche’s Exclusive Manufaktur, which most car enthusiasts are familiar with, Mercedes-Manufaktur is the brand's customization department, responsible for turning high-end vehicles into personalized masterpieces. It is this very division that will spearhead the Mythos subsidiary, starting with an electrifying new model preview set for June 2024.
The Mythos Speedster: A Bold New Concept
Autocar, a reputable British motoring publication, recently revealed that select customers have already received invitations to an exclusive preview event. Here, they’ll get a first look at what Mercedes describes as an “open vehicle concept with an extremely low silhouette.” This avant-garde vehicle comes sans roof and windshield, taking inspiration from motorsport with a halo-style rollover protection system. A helmet is an essential part of the driving experience, making this an extreme choice for thrill-seekers.
Teasers released during Mercedes-Benz AG’s 2023 annual results conference offer a tantalizing glimpse of what to expect. The SL-based speedster shows a sleek figure, and while it sports a windshield in the teaser image, the production model is set to emphasize its open-top allure. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius hinted at this luxurious speedster during the company’s 2022 annual general meeting, and it’s anticipated that the Mythos SL will soon be followed by a more opulent Maybach twin.
A Closer Look at the Maybach SL
The Mercedes-Maybach SL was also teased at the same 2023 conference, flaunting red paintwork, an extravagant radiator grille, and a striking black hood. While it won't directly replace the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet, the forthcoming Maybach SL promises to be a far superior driving experience. This commitment to elevating the SL-series is bound to make it a staple in the premium grand tourer segment.
The Mythos-branded SL, set to preview this summer and launch in full by late 2024, is reportedly similar in its underpinnings to the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+. Though slightly less powerful than its plug-in hybrid cousin, the AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ remains a powerhouse with 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque at 2,500 rpm. These figures make it an extraordinary vehicle, perfectly poised for grand touring.
A Grand Tourer Like No Other
The anticipated Mythos SL is expected to be an open-top grand tourer unlike any other in the current Mercedes or AMG lineup. While it remains to be seen how future Mythos models will differentiate themselves from the Mercedes and AMG counterparts, the Mythos SL is already proving its unique proposition. With a full reveal expected by the end of 2024 for the 2025 model year, this vehicle has all the hallmarks of a future collectible.
Looking at Mercedes’ existing lineup, the highest performance in a series-production car comes from the 831-horsepower GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE 4-Door Coupe, which confuses many with its five-door liftback layout. In comparison, the SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE boasts an impressive 805 electrified horsepower.
The Limited-Run ONE Hypercar
It’s impossible to talk about Mercedes performance without mentioning the F1-engined ONE hypercar, although it doesn’t qualify as a series-production vehicle. As an extremely limited-run model, the ONE is assembled in the UK with expertise from Multimatic, while the F1 turbo V6 hybrid power unit is sourced from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth.
The Mythos brand promises to inject new life into Mercedes' luxury portfolio, elevating bespoke automotive design and engineering to unprecedented heights. With the Mythos Speedster set to make waves, fasten your seatbelts for a compelling journey ahead.