For decades, the allure of translating motorsport prowess into road-going vehicles has captivated engineers and automotive স্বপ্নদর্শীরা alike. Mercedes-AMG has now elevated this ambition to its zenith with the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, a groundbreaking hypercar that brings cutting-edge, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid technology from the racetrack directly to the street. Debuting at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt as the crown jewel of AMG’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the Project ONE is more than just a show car; it’s a testament to engineering excellence and a glimpse into the future of performance. This two-seater supersports marvel boasts a staggering output exceeding 1,000 horsepower and a top speed surpassing 217 mph (350 km/h), seamlessly blending unparalleled racetrack performance with the real-world usability of Formula 1 hybrid technology. This fusion of extremes marks a global first, with Mercedes-AMG taking full responsibility for the Project ONE’s realization. The intricate development process was a collaborative symphony, orchestrated with the Formula 1 maestros at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Formula 1 team in Brackley. Alongside the AMG GT Concept four-door coupe, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE provides a compelling preview of the performance-hybrid drive strategy that will define the future of the Mercedes-Benz sports car lineage.
From Track to Tarmac: Realizing the Formula 1 Dream
The quest to inject motor racing DNA into everyday vehicles is as old as motorsport itself. Mercedes-AMG is now not just fulfilling this dream, but redefining it at the highest echelon of automotive engineering. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, then Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, articulated this vision perfectly: “Motorsport is not merely an exercise for us. It’s within the crucible of intense competition that we forge technologies that subsequently enrich our production vehicles. We are leveraging our hard-won experiences and triumphs from three constructors’ and drivers’ world championships to, for the first time, transplant Formula 1 technology onto the road in the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.” This is not just about speed; it’s about innovation born from the relentless pursuit of performance.
Ola Källenius, Member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, further emphasized the revolutionary nature of the Project ONE: “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is, in essence, the first Formula 1 car to receive road homologation. Its highly efficient hybrid system is directly derived from motor racing, and the electrically driven front axle creates an intoxicating blend of raw power and remarkable efficiency. With a system output exceeding 1,000 hp and a top speed beyond 217 mph (350 km/h), this hypercar’s performance is as breathtaking as its aesthetics – it will truly take your breath away.” This hypercar isn’t just about shattering speed records; it’s about setting a new paradigm for automotive performance and efficiency.
The concept car itself offers concrete indications of what enthusiasts and potential owners can anticipate from the forthcoming production model. Tobias Moers, then Head of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, aptly described the Project ONE’s ambition: “This hypercar represents the most ambitious undertaking we have ever embarked upon. It signifies another pinnacle in the strategic and successful evolution of Mercedes-AMG towards a preeminent performance and sports car brand. Project ONE elevates the benchmark for technological feasibility and, through its unique combination of efficiency and performance, establishes an absolute standard. Simultaneously, Project ONE provides a compelling glimpse into how AMG will define driving performance in the years to come.” It’s a bold statement, and the technology underpinning the Project ONE is engineered to deliver on this promise.
Powertrain Revolution: A Symphony of Turbocharging and Electric Motors
At the heart of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE lies a high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system, a direct descendant of Formula 1 technology. This complex system was meticulously crafted in close collaboration with the motorsport experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. It comprises a highly integrated and intelligently networked unit featuring a hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine working in concert with not one, but four electric motors. One electric motor is seamlessly integrated into the turbocharger itself, another is directly mounted on the combustion engine with a connection to the crankcase, and the remaining two motors are dedicated to driving the front wheels. This intricate arrangement is designed for maximum power and responsiveness.
Alt Text: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE powertrain diagram showcasing the hybrid engine and electric motor layout.
The combustion engine itself is a marvel of engineering: a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline unit with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging, directly derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. It features four overhead camshafts driven by precision spur gears. To achieve the extraordinarily high engine speeds required for Formula 1 performance, traditional mechanical valve springs have been replaced with pneumatic valve springs. Positioned mid-engine (ahead of the rear axle), this powerplant can effortlessly reach speeds of 11,000 rpm, a figure currently unparalleled for a road-legal vehicle. However, for enhanced longevity and to allow the use of readily available “Super Plus” gasoline instead of specialized racing fuel, the maximum engine speed is deliberately set significantly below the F1 engine’s rev limit. Even the electric motors on the front axle are engineering masterpieces, capable of rotor revolutions up to 50,000 rpm – significantly surpassing the current state-of-the-art speed of 20,000 rpm.
The already high-revving engine receives an additional boost from a cutting-edge turbocharger. The exhaust gas and compressor turbines are physically separated and strategically positioned on the exhaust and intake sides of the V6 engine, respectively, connected by a shaft. This shaft incorporates an electric motor producing approximately 90 kW. Depending on the driving situation, this motor electrically drives the compressor turbine up to an astonishing 100,000 rpm – for instance, during initial acceleration or in response to rapid load changes. Within Formula 1 nomenclature, this unit is designated as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat).
Lightning-Fast Response: Outperforming Naturally Aspirated V8s
The advanced engine design brings a monumental advantage: it virtually eliminates the dreaded turbo lag – the delayed response to accelerator pedal input caused by the inertia of large turbochargers. Throttle response becomes instantaneous, even quicker than that of a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The electric turbocharger contributes another crucial benefit: it harnesses surplus energy from the exhaust system to generate electricity. This electricity is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery as part of energy recuperation or channeled to an additional electric motor to provide supplementary drive power. This additional motor generates 120 kW, is directly integrated with the engine, and connects to the crankshaft via a spur gear (MGU-K = Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) – another example of technology ensuring peak efficiency and performance honed in the crucible of Formula 1.
Innovative All-Wheel Drive: Electrified Front Axle and Torque Vectoring
Further enhancing the Project ONE’s dynamic capabilities are two additional 120 kW electric motors positioned at the front axle. Each motor independently drives a front wheel through a reduction gear. This fully electric front axle enables individual wheel acceleration and braking, facilitating selective torque distribution – torque vectoring – for exceptional vehicle dynamics and cornering prowess. Mercedes-AMG engineers estimate that under typical daily driving conditions, up to 80 percent of braking energy can be optimally recuperated using these axle motors. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, extending the vehicle’s electric driving range. Each electric motor is governed by its own dedicated power electronics, strategically located in close proximity to the motors within the vehicle’s floor assembly.
Thermal Efficiency Leadership: Setting New Standards
The thermal efficiency of the combustion engine, enhanced by the electric turbocharger (MGU-H) and the electric motor on the crankshaft (MGU-K), is projected to exceed 40 percent. This figure represents a previously unattainable peak for series production vehicles, solidifying the drive system’s leading position in terms of efficiency. In practical terms, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car extracts significantly more drive energy from each liter of fuel compared to conventional vehicles. This translates to both exceptional power and remarkable economy. For context, the thermodynamic efficiency of conventional series production engines typically ranges between 33 and 38 percent.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car |
|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive | 1.6-liter V6 with direct injection, four valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts and electrically boosted single turbocharger, electric motor connected to the crankshaft |
| Engine capacity | 1,600 cc |
| Rear-wheel drive output | > 500 kW |
| Front-wheel drive output | 2 x 120 kW |
| System output | > 740 kW (> 1,000 hp) |
| Electric range | 25 km |
| Drive system | Variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with hybrid-drive rear axle, electrically driven front axle and torque vectoring |
| Transmission | Automated AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed manual transmission |
| Acceleration 0-200 km/h | < 6 seconds |
| Top speed | > 350 km/h |
Formula 1 Battery Technology: Powering the Future
The battery technology within the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is as groundbreaking as its powertrain. The battery cells, their configuration, and the cell cooling system are directly derived from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. However, the quantity of battery cells in the Project ONE show car is scaled to enhance everyday usability. The lithium-ion, high-voltage battery, along with the DC/DC converter that supports and charges the 12 V onboard electrical system, are compactly housed within the vehicle floor, behind the front axle, optimizing space utilization.
A further innovation lies in the high-voltage EQ Power+ drive system, operating at 800 volts instead of the conventional 400 volts. This elevated voltage level unlocks numerous advantages, notably the ability to significantly reduce cable diameters, resulting in weight savings and optimized packaging.
Intelligent Operating Modes: Performance Tailored to Every Drive
The high-performance EQ Power+ plug-in hybrid drive system offers a suite of intelligent operating strategies, meticulously calibrated for diverse driving scenarios. Driving modes range from purely electric operation, ideal for urban environments, to a highly dynamic mode mirroring Formula 1 qualifying settings for optimal lap times on a track. Despite the system’s inherent complexity, the driver is always presented with the optimal blend of performance and efficiency, adapting seamlessly to driving demands. This intelligent management is underpinned by Mercedes-AMG engineers’ extensive experience and expertise gleaned from Formula 1, the SLS AMG Electric Drive, and Daimler AG’s broader research and development endeavors.
For example, the driver can initiate movement in purely electric mode, with the front axle electric motors propelling the hypercar and the crankshaft-mounted electric motor providing supplementary boost for brief accelerations. Upon pressing the accelerator more assertively and demanding greater power, the V6 engine seamlessly engages. The drive system unleashes its full potential as engine speed escalates. The Race Start function unlocks breathtaking acceleration figures, propelling the vehicle from standstill to 124 mph (200 km/h) in under six seconds.
Conversely, when the driver eases off the accelerator for coasting, the system reverts to electric drive via the front axle. During braking under normal driving conditions, the system recuperates up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy, feeding it back into the battery.
All-New 8-Speed Automated Manual Transmission
Power is channeled to the rear wheels via an all-new 8-speed manual transmission, purpose-built for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. This transmission is hydraulically actuated and can be operated in fully automated mode or manually using steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, offering both track-focused engagement and everyday driving convenience.
Formula 1 Chassis Technology: Lightweight and Agile
The foundation for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE’s exceptional handling characteristics is the lightweight, high-strength carbon-fiber monocoque body, another technology directly borrowed from Formula 1. The engine and transmission are structurally integrated, serving as load-bearing elements and fully supporting the rear suspension, further enhancing rigidity and reducing weight.
Advanced Suspension System: Precision and Control
The suspension system is equally advanced, developed by engineers with a relentless focus on performance. Multi-link designs are employed at both the front and rear axles. The adjustable coil-over suspension incorporates several innovative features: notably, both push-rod spring struts are installed transversely to the direction of travel. This innovative configuration of the spring/damper unit replaces the function of conventional tubular cross members, effectively mitigating body roll even during rapid directional changes without compromising ride comfort.
The overall spring and damper setup is meticulously calibrated for perfectly balanced, predictable, and, above all, sporty handling dynamics. These are further augmented by the all-wheel drive system and torque vectoring. ABS is standard, while ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) offers three selectable modes, typical of AMG vehicles: ESP® ON for maximum safety, ESP® SPORT HANDLING MODE for increased yaw angles and a sportier driving style, and ESP® OFF for unadulterated sporty driving on closed racetracks.
Exclusive Forged Wheels: Aerodynamic and Functional
The 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels with center locking, exclusively designed for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, represent another novel development. Each wheel features a radial carbon-fiber semi-cover with a sophisticated aerodynamic profile, optimizing airflow around the wheels to enhance overall aerodynamics and reduce drag.
Simultaneously, three strategically placed flat ventilation slots per spoke section ensure efficient heat dissipation from the high-performance brakes. This detail exemplifies the AMG development team’s meticulous attention to even the smallest components to maximize the hypercar’s efficiency.
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is equipped with size 10.0 J x 19 wheels at the front, shod with 285/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires specifically engineered for this hypercar. The rear wheels are size 12.0 J x 20, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 335/30 ZR 20 tires.
Braking is handled by an advanced, weight-optimized ceramic high-performance compound braking system. Its low weight minimizes unsprung mass, contributing to enhanced driving dynamics and agility. Furthermore, ceramic brakes are renowned for their extended service life, superior corrosion resistance, and higher thermal stability. The “AMG Carbon Ceramic” lettering and specially painted brake calipers visually distinguish this exceptional braking system.
Exterior Design: Beauty Meets Beast
The exterior design of the Project ONE show car is unmistakably inspired by the pinnacle of motorsport. Crucially, it embodies the core Mercedes-AMG principle that aesthetic appeal is inextricably linked to functional purpose. Every design element serves a specific aerodynamic or performance-enhancing function. The result is a mid-engine configuration characterized by aggressively muscular proportions, a forward-positioned cockpit, prominent wheel arches, a sculpted “wasp waist,” and an elongated rear section.
Alt Text: Front three-quarter view of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar showcasing its aggressive aerodynamic design.
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG, encapsulates the design philosophy: “The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is arguably the most intensely designed and visually captivating car we have ever created. It seamlessly merges our Sensual Purity design philosophy with the raw performance DNA of our Formula 1 racing cars, perfectly embodying Performance Luxury. This hypercar’s extreme design marks a significant milestone – it transcends conventional lines, and the interior is distilled to its functional essence.”
Frontal Dominance: Power and Functionality
The front view is dominated by the expansive front fascia, with multiple air inlets stretching across the vehicle’s width. The trapezoidal central section proudly displays a large, white AMG logo, with the iconic Mercedes star positioned above on the hood. The signature AMG A-wing beneath the central section introduces a silver-colored accent, seamlessly merging into the front fenders.
Flanking the central section are large, prominent air inlets, framed by U-shaped flaps and each subdivided by dual black horizontal fins. Sleek LED headlamps are seamlessly integrated into the body contours, contributing to the car’s aggressive and purposeful stance.
Black air outlets in the hood strategically channel hot airflow around the sides of the driver compartment, ensuring unobstructed fresh airflow to the driver compartment and the roof-mounted intake tract. Downforce at the front axle is enhanced by the automatically extending front splitter and active ventilation louvers within the front wheel arches, contributing to the car’s meticulously balanced aerodynamic profile.
Sculpted Flanks and Muscular Fenders
The low, dynamic greenhouse features a distinctive, spherical architecture with a unique window graphic. The expansive dark area visually emphasizes key technical components, creating a striking contrast against the vehicle’s clean overall lines.
The roofline is defined by a Formula 1-derived air intake, feeding substantial volumes of air to the engine. This black intake elegantly transitions into the black, vertical shark fin, enhancing lateral stability during high-speed cornering. The rear window, positioned further back, is seamlessly integrated into the intake/roof-fin unit, offering a glimpse of the formidable power unit beneath. Two large NACA air inlets ensure optimal airflow management for the engine and transmission oil coolers located at the rear.
The side profile showcases a sensual, clean surface treatment harmonized with functional elements. The vehicle flanks are tautly sculpted, with black carbon-fiber surfaces strategically redirecting airflow around the body, mirroring motorsport aerodynamic principles.
The Petronas green “paintbrush” design on the flanks is a unique artistic element, created by the same artist responsible for the Formula 1 racing car’s livery. All four wheels are enveloped by tightly sculpted, muscular fenders, conveying a sense of pent-up energy and readiness for dynamic action.
Mirroring racing car design, the doors open both forwards and upwards, creating a dramatic entry and exit. The fuel filler flap is positioned on the rear right, while the charge socket for the plug-in hybrid battery is located on the rear left.
Rear End: Functional Fascination
The sharply defined, vertical spoiler lip and the large, two-section diffuser, bisected by the central exhaust tailpipe, along with the two-stage extendible rear aerofoil, collectively contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. The exhaust tailpipe design, featuring a large, central round outlet flanked by two smaller round apertures, is a direct homage to Formula 1 car exhaust systems.
The muscular rear appearance is further amplified by the rear fascia, incorporating large black mesh and carbon-fiber components. The rear lights each feature three rhomboid lighting elements, echoing the graphic design of the AMG brand logo and mirroring the headlamp design, creating a cohesive visual identity.
Interior: Formula 1 Cockpit for Two
The interior design concept of this ultimate driving machine prioritizes track-focused functionality, expressed through a radical and minimalist design language. Formula 1 technology is made palpably tangible, both on the racetrack and on the road. Every interior detail serves a functional purpose, eliminating any purely decorative elements. Within the monocoque interior, the reduced number of components are emphasized with minimalist styling, both in terms of design and functionality.
Alt Text: Interior view of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE highlighting its minimalist design, F1-inspired steering wheel, and digital displays.
The ergonomically contoured interior provides space for two occupants. The bucket seats, featuring adjustable backrests, are directly integrated into the monocoque structure. The pedals and steering wheel are adjustable, allowing drivers of varying sizes to achieve an optimal driving position. The central tunnel visually separates the driver and passenger zones, seamlessly blending into the seat sculpture and adhering to the principle of minimalist design with its gently rising contour.
Functional and Structural Interior Elements
The lightweight construction ethos is evident in the slim, wing-like profile of the dashboard, which appears light and almost free-floating. As a functional structural element, it also enhances the rigidity of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE’s monocoque. Two high-resolution, free-standing 10-inch displays – one positioned slightly raised in front of the driver and the other to the right of the center console, angled towards the driver – are integrated using high-quality, weight-optimized solid metal components.
The double-nozzle ventilation unit is suspended beneath the center screen, resembling a gondola. The screen and nozzles form a unified element, reinforcing the lightweight design principle throughout the interior. The rectangular basic form of the displays is echoed in the ventilation nozzles and the center console, which houses the start/stop button.
A high-quality stowage compartment, a minimized switch array, and the engine start button are seamlessly integrated as a unified module. The stowage compartment features a transparent lid, adding a touch of visual intrigue.
Formula 1-Style Steering Wheel: Controls at Your Fingertips
The steering wheel, with flattened upper and lower sections and an integrated airbag, offers motorsport-derived functionality. Two integrated controllers allow for on-the-fly adjustments of vehicle settings, including driving modes and suspension setup, as well as controlling the LED shift display located in the upper steering wheel area.
The door panels are crafted from functional, high-grade carbon-fiber, seamlessly blending into the sporty interior aesthetic. Mirroring the aero winglets of the exterior, the door paneling is visually interrupted to create space for technical components and a generously concave door center panel. An aluminum cassette integrates the air vents and power window switches, recessed as clean rectangles.
Practicality and Connectivity: Everyday Usability
Mercedes-AMG engineers have prioritized everyday usability and operational convenience. Small items can be stowed in two compartments located behind the seats. An air conditioning system and power windows are standard features, while the COMAND infotainment system ensures seamless connectivity.
The user interface is designed as an autonomous concept. The most critical driving information is presented within the driver’s line of sight, above the steering wheel, minimizing distraction. For optimal rear visibility, the traditional rear-view mirror is replaced by a screen displaying real-time images from a mirror cam. The aluminum screen housing is seamlessly integrated into the roof and also houses other controls.
Racing-Inspired Colors and Materials
The selection of colors and materials draws direct inspiration from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. The sculpted racing seats are upholstered in slip-resistant black microfiber, establishing an unmistakable link to motor racing. The seat surfaces are accented with nappa leather in magma grey and inlays in a sporty textile mesh, optimizing seat ventilation. Yellow contrasting topstitching adds a final touch of visual flair.
Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: Defining the Future of Driving Performance
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE transcends its status as an ultimate driving machine that directly translates Formula 1 hybrid technology to the road, seamlessly blending top-tier racetrack performance with genuine everyday usability. Its overarching purpose is to serve as a vital research and development platform, yielding extensive insights into performance-oriented plug-in hybrid drive technology, advanced suspension designs, and sophisticated onboard electronics. These innovations will subsequently inform and benefit future series production AMG vehicles, pushing the boundaries of automotive performance and efficiency. The Project ONE team remains dedicated to diligently bringing this groundbreaking vision to reality, paving the way for a new era of driving performance.
