The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again cemented its legendary status, shattering its own Nürburgring-Nordschleife record and setting a new benchmark for production vehicles. This groundbreaking hypercar, infused with Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology, has not only reclaimed its title as the fastest but has pushed the boundaries of performance even further. Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel piloted the AMG ONE to an officially measured and notarized lap time of 6:29.090 minutes on the demanding 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) track. This remarkable feat shaves over five seconds off its previous record, making the Mercedes-AMG ONE the first road-legal car to conquer the ‘Green Hell’ in under 6 minutes and 30 seconds. It stands unchallenged as the unrivaled leader in the super-sports-car class and the only series hybrid hypercar to have conquered the world’s most challenging racetrack.
“We have held the record for road-legal vehicles for almost two years, but at AMG, we are driven by a relentless desire to explore the outer limits of possibility, to push them just a bit further,” stated Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions. “This ambition fueled us to once again showcase the unparalleled capabilities of the AMG ONE. This record is a testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional teamwork of the entire AMG crew. I am immensely proud of this determined effort and this phenomenal record time. We have once again emphatically demonstrated the spirit and engineering prowess that define AMG.”
Maro Engel, the record-setting driver, shared his perspective: “Two years ago, the track conditions were less than perfect, with some sections still damp. We knew there was more potential within the AMG ONE, and we were determined to prove it. Today, we unleashed the car’s maximum capability. My sincere gratitude goes to the entire Affalterbach team for their unwavering trust in me. It was an incredible honor and pleasure to pilot this extraordinary machine to a record-breaking lap.”
Achieving this ambitious target demanded meticulous preparation and perfect track conditions. On September 23, 2024, at precisely 6:56 p.m., during his third timed lap, Maro Engel etched his name further into Nürburgring history. With an air temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit and an asphalt temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the legendary Nordschleife was completely dry, offering optimal grip for the record attempt.
Just like Formula 1™ drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell manage energy deployment during race weekends, Engel expertly managed the AMG ONE’s sophisticated hybrid drive system. This is a particularly crucial factor on the lengthy Nordschleife, requiring strategic energy recuperation during braking phases.
Engel utilized the AMG ONE’s advanced four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system, employing a “lift and coast” technique in certain sections, where he deliberately released the accelerator slightly earlier than usual to maximize energy recovery. Extensive simulations in Affalterbach and on-track testing provided invaluable data, enabling the team and driver to fine-tune their strategy for the record-breaking lap. To ensure complete transparency and adherence to regulations, TÜV Rheinland verified and documented the vehicle’s standard production condition, as stipulated by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG. A notary public was also present to officially confirm the record drive’s legitimacy.
The Reigning Champion: Fastest Street-Legal Production Vehicle
The Mercedes-AMG ONE represents a paradigm shift, bringing authentic Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology from the racetrack to public roads for the very first time. Its E PERFORMANCE hybrid powertrain, featuring a combustion engine and four electric motors, unleashes a combined output of 1,049 hp (782 kW). The hypercar’s top speed is electronically limited to 218 mph (352 km/h). Beyond its powertrain, the AMG ONE incorporates a wealth of motorsport technologies, including a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a lightweight carbon body, a stressed engine/transmission unit, and active aerodynamics, all underpinned by a sophisticated pushrod chassis. This two-seater marvel of engineering surpasses even some Formula 1™ cars in its technological complexity. It boasts fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, featuring a hybrid-driven rear axle and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring, providing unparalleled handling and control.
For the record attempt, the AMG ONE was configured with maximum camber values within the factory delivery tolerance. Maro Engel selected the “Race Plus” drive program, which activates the most aggressive aerodynamic settings, stiffens the chassis, and lowers the vehicle by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear. Naturally, this mode also unleashes the full power potential of all motors. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), activated by a steering wheel button, further enhanced performance. The DRS retracts louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing, minimizing drag for higher speeds on fast sections. In tighter corners, the aero elements automatically extend again at lightning speed, maximizing downforce and grip. Engel’s refined operation of the DRS system compared to his previous record run unlocked even more of the AMG ONE’s performance capabilities.
AMG ONE customers can experience this same level of configurability. The hypercar comes standard with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specifically co-developed with Michelin for the AMG ONE. The standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system ensures exceptional stopping power and fade resistance, crucial for tackling the demanding Nürburgring.
Formula 1™ Derived E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive
The heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE, its E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive, is a direct descendant of Formula 1™ technology, born from close collaboration with the experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, UK. This intricately integrated and intelligently networked system comprises a high-revving, hybrid turbocharged combustion engine and a total of four electric motors. One electric motor is integrated within the turbocharger, another is mounted directly on the combustion engine linked to the crankshaft, and the remaining two drive the front wheels.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine with electrically assisted single turbocharging shares its fundamental technology with current Formula 1™ power units. It features four overhead camshafts driven by spur gears and pneumatic valve springs, replacing mechanical springs to enable incredibly high engine speeds. Positioned mid-engine, in front of the rear axle, this powerplant can rev up to 11,000 rpm. However, for enhanced durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline, the rev limit is intentionally set below the F1 maximum.
Electric Turbocharger: Instantaneous Response
A high-tech turbocharger further elevates the high-revving engine’s performance. The exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are physically separated and connected by a shaft, facilitating a lower turbocharger mounting position. Critically, a compact, approximately 121-hp (90-kW) electric motor is mounted on this shaft. This electronically controlled motor directly drives the turbocharger shaft, rapidly accelerating the compressor wheel to speeds up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas flow takes over. In Formula 1™ terminology, this unit is known as the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat).
This innovative electric turbocharging system dramatically improves throttle response, virtually eliminating turbo lag across the entire rev range, even from idle. The 1.6-liter V6 engine reacts with unparalleled immediacy to accelerator pedal inputs, resulting in an exceptionally dynamic driving experience. Furthermore, the electric turbocharger boosts torque at lower engine speeds, enhancing agility and acceleration. Even when the driver lifts off the accelerator or brakes, boost pressure is maintained, ensuring continuous responsiveness.
Turbocharger as a Generator
The electric exhaust gas turbocharger in the Mercedes-AMG ONE offers another key advantage: it recovers surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow and converts it into electrical energy. This energy is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or supplied to the electric front axle or the electric motor (MGU‑K= Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) connected to the combustion engine. The MGU-K, producing 161 hp (120 kW), is directly positioned on the combustion engine and linked to the crankshaft via a spur gear system – another technology honed for maximum efficiency and performance in Formula 1™.
Turbocharging and direct injection with spray-guided combustion not only unlock immense power but also enhance thermodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The high-performance six-cylinder engine employs two injection systems. Direct injection delivers fuel into the combustion chambers at pressures reaching 3,916 psi (270 bar), utilizing multiple injection events per cycle as dictated by the engine management system. Additional port injection is incorporated to achieve the engine’s exceptional specific power output while adhering to stringent emission regulations.
Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive with Electrically Driven Front Axle
The two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors driving the front axle can reach rotor speeds of up to 50,000 rpm. Each motor is connected to a front wheel via a reduction gear. This purely electrically driven front axle features wheel-selective operation, enabling individual torque distribution for superior driving dynamics (“torque vectoring”). Moreover, these electric motors facilitate optimal braking energy recuperation – up to 80 percent under typical driving conditions. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, extending the electric range or providing additional drive power. Each electric motor is controlled by its own dedicated power electronics, located close to the motors within the vehicle floor assembly.
High Performance Battery: Formula 1™ Technology for the Road
The lithium-ion energy storage system in the Mercedes-AMG ONE is another bespoke AMG development. Its core technology has been rigorously proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid race cars under the most extreme conditions. The AMG High Performance Battery is engineered to deliver high power output repeatedly with minimal performance degradation, while also minimizing weight to enhance overall vehicle performance. It boasts rapid energy delivery and exceptional power density. This translates to readily available full power on uphill stretches and strong recuperation during downhill driving.
The battery cell arrangement and cooling system are directly inspired by Mercedes-AMG Formula 1™ race cars. However, for road-going durability and range, the Mercedes-AMG ONE utilizes a significantly larger number of cells. The battery’s 8.4 kWh capacity provides a purely electric range of 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometers). Charging is facilitated by an integrated 3.7-kW AC onboard charger. Furthermore, the battery can be replenished via recuperation or by the combustion engine. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery and the DC/DC converter, which supports and charges the 12-volt onboard electrical system, are compactly housed within the vehicle floor behind the front axle.
Innovative Direct Cooling for High-Voltage Battery
A key enabler of the battery’s exceptional performance is its innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around every single cell, cooling them individually. Optimal battery performance relies on maintaining a defined temperature range. If the battery becomes too cold or too hot, power output can noticeably decrease, or the system may need to regulate performance to prevent damage from overheating. Consistent battery temperature is, therefore, critical for performance, longevity, and safety.
A high-performance electric pump circulates coolant from top to bottom through the entire battery pack, past each cell, and through a heat exchanger directly attached to the battery. This system is meticulously designed to ensure uniform heat dissipation throughout the battery. As a result, the battery consistently operates within its optimal temperature window of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), regardless of charging or discharging cycles. While high-speed driving may temporarily elevate the average temperature, the protection mechanisms are engineered to prioritize maximum performance, with direct cooling subsequently reducing temperature levels.
This advanced direct cooling system is essential for utilizing cells with exceptionally high power density. This bespoke solution also contributes to a remarkably light and compact battery system. The low weight is further attributed to a material-efficient busbar concept and a lightweight yet robust aluminum housing crash structure, ensuring the highest levels of safety. Another advanced feature is the drive system’s high voltage, operating at 800 volts instead of the more common 400 volts. This higher voltage significantly reduces cable diameters, saving weight and design space.
Intelligent Operating Strategies for Peak Performance and Efficiency
The High Performance Plug-in Hybrid Drive System in the Mercedes-AMG ONE offers a suite of intelligent operating strategies, finely tuned for diverse driving scenarios. Drive programs range from purely electric operation to the extreme “Strat 2” mode, analogous to Formula 1™ qualifying settings, designed for achieving the absolute fastest lap times. Despite the sophisticated complexity of the system, the driver is always provided with the optimal blend of performance and efficiency, seamlessly adapting to real-time driving demands.
