Spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz AMG One: the F1-powered hypercar has finally sounded off
Mercedes-Benz AMG's hypercar, the Mercedes-Benz AMG One, is being finalized for its delayed 2021 launch, and in its latest test, a prototype ran the Nürburgring for the first time.
AMG's Nürburgring development center has two prototypes, one of which broke down earlier this week on its way to the race track. Fortunately, our spy photographer was on hand and was able to get some close-up shots of the car, including the interior.
The breakdown of the prototype is just one of several setbacks that have plagued the development of hypercars with F1 engines. Recall, the car was presented in concept form as Project One at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show, at which point a 2019 launch was confirmed. However, making that engine suitable for public road use has not been an easy task and has taken longer than expected. Last we heard, the car would not be delivered to customers until 2021.
The biggest issue is emissions, a challenge made tougher by the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), an emissions standard that came into effect in Europe in 2019. This is a more stringent standard that replaces the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), and it is believed that AMG had to develop multiple exhaust gas treatment systems and other systems to meet it. Hopefully this will not spoil the crazy sound of this car.
In case you forgot, the One is centrally powered by the actual engine used in Mercedes' multiple F1 champion cars (specifically, the unit from the 2015 champion car) The One will also have three electric motor generators, one for the mounted on the engine and two more on the front axle to form an all-wheel drive system.
The total output exceeds 1,000 hp. This particular setup also allows for electric driving, but range estimates are not clear due to lack of details regarding the size of the on-board battery.
Current estimates of performance include 0-60 mph acceleration in under 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph acceleration in under 6.0 seconds, and a top speed of around 217 mph (likely limited by aerodynamics). Former AMG boss Tobias Mohr has even suggested that the car could break the Nürburgring lap time of 6:11.13 set in 1983 by a Porsche 956 racing car with Stefan Bellof at the wheel. Of course, the overall record at the Ring is 5 minutes 19.55 seconds, set in 2018 by Timo Bernhard in his Porsche 919 Evo Time Attack Special.
Helping to develop the One is none other than Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton, who has expressed interest in developing his own version of the potential "LH" Special Edition.
In addition to the special powertrain, the One also benefits from high downforce: active aerodynamics, tested in a wind tunnel with the help of F1 engineers, is provided by a multi-part, two-stage extendable rear It is equipped with a multi-part, two-stage extendable rear wing for maximum downforce in race mode. Its weight is said to be as much as 1,500 pounds.
The push-rod suspension design and lightweight carbon fiber construction were also borrowed from the world of Formula One.
Unfortunately, only 275 cars were built and all production slots were sold. Production will take place at Mercedes' F1 base in the UK, using the same suppliers as the F1 teams.
When it finally arrives, the One will face off against another hypercar loaded with F1 technology, the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The Aston was also originally scheduled for 2019, but was delayed until 2021. Also competing should be road-going versions of the new Le Mans hypercar candidates from Toyota, Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, and Bicorse Racing.
