The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a groundbreaking hypercar that made its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, marking AMG’s 50th anniversary in spectacular fashion. This two-seater supersports show car represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, bringing cutting-edge, efficient Formula 1 hybrid technology from the racetrack to the road. It’s more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent, showcasing the future of performance and efficiency in the automotive world, spearheaded by Mercedes-AMG.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, emphasizes the deep connection between motorsport and production vehicles: “Motorsport is not an end in itself for us. Faced with intense competition, we develop technologies from which our production vehicles also subsequently benefit. We are drawing on our experiences and successes from three constructors’ and drivers’ world championships to bring Formula 1 technology to the road for the first time: in Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.” This philosophy is at the heart of the Project ONE, making it a truly unique vehicle.
Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, highlights the unprecedented nature of the Project ONE: “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval. Our highly efficient hybrid assembly stems from motor racing and the electrically powered front axle generates a fascinating mixture of performance and efficiency. With a system output of over 1,000 hp and a top speed beyond 217 mph (350 km/h) this hypercar handles exactly as it looks: it takes your breath away.” The raw power combined with sophisticated hybrid technology delivers an unparalleled driving experience.
Tobias Moers, former Head of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, described the hypercar’s ambition and its role in shaping AMG’s future: “The hypercar is the most ambitious project we have every undertaken. It marks yet another pinnacle of the successful, strategic development of Mercedes-AMG towards a performance and sports car brand. Project ONE raises the bar in terms of what is currently technologically feasible and thanks to its combination of efficiency and performance it represents an absolute benchmark. At the same time, Project ONE provides an outlook on how AMG will define driving performance in the future.” It’s a testament to AMG’s relentless pursuit of innovation and pushing technological boundaries.
Formula 1 Derived Powertrain: The Heart of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE
The core of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE lies in its high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system, directly derived from Formula 1. Developed in close collaboration with the motorsport experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, the powertrain is a marvel of engineering. It integrates a hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine with not one, but four electric motors, working in perfect harmony. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger, another is directly mounted on the combustion engine connected to the crankcase, and two more drive the front wheels, creating an innovative all-wheel-drive system.
The combustion engine itself is a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline unit with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging, taken straight from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. Its high-revving nature is evident in its ability to reach 11,000 rpm, a figure unheard of in road-going vehicles at the time of its announcement. While Formula 1 engines use pneumatic valve springs, the Project ONE also incorporates them, alongside spur gear-driven overhead camshafts, to achieve these incredible engine speeds. Although capable of reaching F1 engine speeds, for durability and the use of readily available “Super Plus” gasoline, the max engine speed is deliberately kept below the Formula 1 limit.
Further enhancing the engine’s performance is a state-of-the-art turbocharger. The turbine wheels on the exhaust and compressor sides are strategically positioned and connected by a shaft incorporating a 90 kW electric motor. This motor, known in Formula 1 as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat), can spin the compressor turbine up to 100,000 rpm, effectively eliminating turbo lag and providing instantaneous throttle response, even quicker than a naturally aspirated V8 engine.
This electric turbocharger also contributes to energy recuperation. Surplus energy from the exhaust system is converted into electricity, stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, or used to power an additional 120 kW electric motor (MGU-K = Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) connected to the crankshaft. This system further maximizes efficiency and performance, echoing Formula 1’s relentless pursuit of optimization.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Hypercar Redefined
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered for exceptional driving dynamics. The fully electric front axle, featuring two 120 kW electric motors, enables individual wheel acceleration and braking, providing torque vectoring for superior handling. This system also allows for energy recuperation during braking, capturing up to 80 percent of braking energy under normal driving conditions, further enhancing efficiency and electric range.
The thermal efficiency of the powertrain, exceeding 40 percent, is a remarkable achievement for a production vehicle. This efficiency translates to more drive energy from every liter of fuel, making the Project ONE both powerful and surprisingly economical for its class. For comparison, conventional production engines typically achieve thermodynamic efficiency between 33 and 38 percent.
Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Technical Highlights:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 1.6-liter V6 Hybrid, Electric Motor on Crankshaft |
| Engine Capacity | 1,600 cc |
| Rear-Wheel Drive Output | > 670 hp (> 500 kW) |
| Front-Wheel Drive Output | 2 x 161 hp (2 x 120 kW) |
| System Output | > 1,000 hp (> 740 kW) |
| Electric Range | 15.5 miles (25 km) |
| Drive System | Variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automated AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed Manual |
| Acceleration 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) | Under 6 seconds |
| Top Speed | > 217 mph (> 350 km/h) |
The lithium-ion battery technology in the Project ONE mirrors that used in Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 cars. Operating at 800 volts, compared to the usual 400 volts, allows for reduced cable diameters, saving weight and space. Intelligent operating strategies manage the hybrid system, offering modes from pure electric driving to a dynamic “Race Start” mode for maximum performance. Acceleration from 0 to 124 mph (200 km/h) is achieved in under six seconds, showcasing its blistering speed.
Design and Aerodynamics: Form Follows Function
The exterior design of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a striking blend of beauty and aerodynamic functionality, directly inspired by motorsport. Every design element serves a purpose, contributing to its exceptional performance. The mid-engine layout, muscular proportions, prominent wheel arches, and extended rear end create an unmistakable hypercar silhouette.
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, describes the design philosophy: “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the hottest and coolest car we have ever designed. It combines our design philosophy of Sensual Purity with the performance of our Formula 1 racing cars and is the perfect embodiment of Performance Luxury. This hypercar’s extreme design marks a milestone in design – there are no lines, and the interior is stripped down to the essentials.”
The front view is dominated by a wide front fascia with large air inlets and a prominent AMG logo. Aerodynamic elements like the automatically extending front splitter and active ventilation louvers in the front wheel arches optimize downforce. The roofline incorporates a Formula 1-style air intake for the engine, seamlessly integrated into a vertical shark fin for enhanced stability.
The rear end features a sharp spoiler lip, a large two-section diffuser, and a centrally positioned exhaust tailpipe, all contributing to aerodynamic efficiency. The exhaust design itself is directly adopted from Formula 1 cars, further emphasizing the motorsport connection.
Interior: A Formula 1 Cockpit for the Road
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is as focused and functional as its exterior, mirroring the cockpit of a Formula 1 car. Minimalism and driver focus are key, with every element designed for performance and usability.
The monocoque interior accommodates two occupants in ergonomically sculpted bucket seats integrated directly into the chassis. Adjustable pedals and steering wheel allow for a personalized driving position. Two high-resolution 10-inch displays provide essential information, while a Formula 1-style steering wheel with integrated controllers puts key functions at the driver’s fingertips.
The absence of a traditional rear-view mirror, replaced by a screen displaying a mirror cam feed, further highlights the technological advancements within the cabin. High-grade carbon fiber and motorsport-inspired materials dominate the interior, reinforcing the Project ONE’s racing pedigree.
The Future of Driving Performance
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is more than just a hypercar; it’s a research and development platform pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. It serves to gather invaluable insights into performance-oriented plug-in hybrid drive technology, advanced suspension systems, and sophisticated onboard electronics, all of which will influence future series production AMG vehicles. It’s a bold step into the future, demonstrating Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to innovation and redefining driving performance for the next generation.
Contacts:
Birgit Zaiser, Communication Mercedes-AMG, phone: +49 (0)7144 302 581, [email protected]
Koert Groeneveld, Global Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars, phone: +49 (0)711 179 2311, [email protected]
More information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com
