The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again etched its name into the annals of automotive history, shattering its own Nürburgring-Nordschleife record and further cementing its status as the pinnacle of production vehicle performance. In a breathtaking display of engineering prowess and driving skill, Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador Maro Engel piloted the hypercar to a new official lap time of 6:29.090 minutes over the demanding 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) track. This remarkable feat not only surpasses the AMG ONE’s previous best but, crucially, breaks the elusive 6:30-minute barrier for road-legal cars, establishing a new benchmark in the super-sports car class.
This achievement underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines AMG. As Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH, aptly stated, “At AMG, we always want to push the boundaries of what is possible to the maximum or even push them a little further. That’s why we have once again demonstrated what is possible with the unique AMG ONE.” The record is a testament to the dedicated team in Affalterbach and their unwavering commitment to pushing technological limits and achieving unparalleled performance.
For Maro Engel, this record run was both a challenge and an honor. “Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal, and some sections of the track were still a little damp. We knew we could do more, and we wanted to show that,” Engel explained. The drive demanded meticulous preparation and perfect track conditions. On September 23, 2024, under ideal conditions – a dry Nordschleife with air temperature at 59 degrees Fahrenheit and asphalt at 68 degrees Fahrenheit – Engel seized the opportunity. On his third timed lap, starting at 6:56 p.m., he delivered the record-breaking performance.
The quest for record-breaking speed on the Nürburgring is a complex undertaking, demanding more than just raw power. Similar to Formula 1™ drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell managing energy deployment during a race, Engel had to expertly manage the AMG ONE’s Energy Flow Control (EFC) system. This involved strategically utilizing recuperation during braking phases and employing a “lift and coast” technique in specific track sections to optimize energy usage across the Nordschleife’s extensive length.
Extensive simulator testing in Affalterbach and on-track practice runs were crucial in refining the energy management strategy. The AMG ONE’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system was meticulously tuned to ensure optimal power delivery and recuperation throughout the lap. To ensure the record’s legitimacy, TÜV Rheinland verified the vehicle’s standard production condition, and a notary public certified the record drive’s proper execution, adhering to Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG regulations.
Formula 1™ Technology Unleashed on the Road
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is not merely a hypercar; it represents the direct translation of Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology from the racetrack to public roads. Its E PERFORMANCE hybrid system, featuring a combustion engine and four electric motors, delivers a staggering 1,049 hp (782 kW). While its top speed is electronically limited to 218 mph (352 km/h), the AMG ONE’s true prowess lies in its unparalleled combination of power, handling, and cutting-edge technology.
Beyond the hybrid powertrain, the AMG ONE incorporates a suite of motorsport-derived technologies. These include a lightweight carbon monocoque chassis, a carbon fiber body, and a stressed engine/transmission unit contributing to exceptional rigidity and agility. Active aerodynamics and a pushrod chassis further enhance its track-focused capabilities, making it, in many respects, even more technologically advanced than a Formula 1™ car in certain aspects.
The AMG ONE features the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, intelligently distributing power between a hybrid-driven rear axle and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring. This sophisticated system ensures optimal traction and handling in all driving conditions, contributing significantly to its record-breaking Nürburgring performance.
For the record attempt, the AMG team optimized the car’s setup by selecting maximum camber values within factory tolerances. Maro Engel utilized the “Race Plus” drive program, which unleashes the AMG ONE’s full potential. This mode activates maximum aerodynamic settings, stiffens the chassis, lowers the vehicle by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear, and ensures maximum power output from all motors.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS), familiar from Formula 1™, is also integrated into the AMG ONE. Activated via a steering wheel button, the DRS retracts louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing. This reduces drag on high-speed sections, maximizing acceleration and top speed. In corners, the aero elements automatically extend, generating increased downforce for enhanced grip and cornering performance. Engel’s refined DRS operation compared to the previous record run was a key factor in achieving the improved lap time.
AMG ONE customers benefit from these same performance-enhancing features, including the bespoke MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires developed specifically for the hypercar and the standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, providing exceptional stopping power and stability.
E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive: A Deep Dive into Formula 1™ Innovation
The heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is its revolutionary E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive, born from close collaboration with the experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth – the very team behind Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1™ engines. This intricate system comprises a hybrid, turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 combustion engine and four electric motors, working in perfect harmony. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger, another is directly linked to the crankshaft, and two more power the front wheels.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine shares its technological DNA with current Formula 1™ power units. Features like spur gear-driven overhead camshafts and pneumatic valve springs (replacing conventional mechanical springs for higher engine speeds) highlight its racing pedigree. Although capable of revving to 11,000 rpm, the engine is intentionally limited below the F1 rev limit for increased durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline.
A key innovation is the electric turbocharger. The exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are separated and connected by a shaft, allowing for a lower turbocharger placement. A 121-hp (90-kW) electric motor on this shaft directly drives the compressor wheel up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas flow takes over. This “MGU-H” (Motor Generator Unit Heat) technology, as it’s known in Formula 1™, dramatically improves throttle response across the entire RPM range, eliminating turbo lag and enhancing driving dynamics. Furthermore, this electric turbocharger acts as a generator, recovering energy from the exhaust gas flow to charge the high-voltage battery or power the electric motors.
Complementing the electric turbocharger is the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit Kinetic), a 161 hp (120 kW) electric motor directly connected to the crankshaft. This Formula 1™-derived technology further boosts power and efficiency. The engine also features both direct injection (at pressures up to 3,916 psi) and port injection systems to optimize fuel delivery for both high power output and emissions compliance.
The front axle’s two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors, each capable of 50,000 rpm, provide fully variable all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. This system not only enhances handling but also enables significant energy recuperation during braking – up to 80% in everyday driving – which is stored in the high-performance battery.
High Performance Battery and Thermal Management
The AMG ONE’s lithium-ion high-performance battery is another marvel of engineering, directly derived from Formula 1™ technology. It balances high power output with low weight and rapid energy cycling. Its 8.4 kWh capacity provides a purely electric range of 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometers), and it can be charged via a 3.7-kW AC on-board charger, recuperation, or the combustion engine.
A groundbreaking feature is the battery’s innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around each individual battery cell, maintaining an optimal operating temperature of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), regardless of driving conditions. This precise thermal management is crucial for maximizing battery performance, lifespan, and safety, enabling the use of high power density cells and contributing to the battery system’s compact and lightweight design. The system operates at a high voltage of 800 volts, reducing cable diameters and further minimizing weight and space.
Conclusion: A New Era of Hypercar Performance
The Mercedes-AMG ONE’s latest Nürburgring record is more than just a number; it is a powerful statement of AMG’s engineering prowess and its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. By conquering the Green Hell and shattering the 6:30 barrier, the Mercedes-AMG ONE has not only redefined the limits for production vehicles but has also showcased the extraordinary potential of bringing Formula 1™ technology to the road. This hypercar stands as a testament to AMG’s spirit of innovation and its dedication to delivering unparalleled driving experiences.
