Mercedes-AMG ONE explained

Mercedes-AMG ONE
Manufacturer:Mercedes-AMG
Production:August 2022 – present (275 units planned)
Class:Sports car (S)
Body Style:2-door coupé
Related:Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid
Layout:Mid-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid E-turbo V6
Transmission:7-speed single-clutch automated manual
Battery:800 V lithium-ion battery[1]
Electric Range:18.1km (11.2miles)
Drivetrain:e-Performance PHEV
Wheelbase:27201NaN1
Length:47561NaN1
Width:20101NaN1
Height:12611NaN1
Doors:Butterfly
Predecessor:Mercedes-Benz CLK LM Straßenversion
Weight:[2]
Sp:uk

The Mercedes-AMG ONE (R50, previously known as Project One) is a limited-production plug-in dual hybrid sports car manufactured by Mercedes-AMG, featuring Formula One-derived technology.[3] [4] The Project One concept car was unveiled at the 2017 International Motor Show Germany by the seven-time F1 world champion and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton and Head of Mercedes-Benz, Dieter Zetsche.[5] [6]

The production version of the AMG ONE was unveiled on June 1, 2022 and the production began in August.[7]

Development

Mercedes-AMG unveiled the concept version of the ONE, the Project One with nearly identical specifications to the production version. Claimed that the production ONE will be evaluated on their performance, durability, and ability in Mercedes-Benz's proving grounds and on racing circuits. Development of the AMG ONE took place at Mercedes-AMG GmbH, in Affalterbach Germany. Head of Mercedes-AMG, Tobias Moers described that when "the time is right", Lewis Hamilton, who has worked on the development of the car will join the team of development drivers testing prototypes of the car.[8]

Production

The production version of the AMG ONE unveiled on June 1, 2022. Production was expected to begin in late 2022 and planned to be limited for 275 units at a price of US$2.72 million per unit, all of which had been already sold. Mercedes-AMG received orders more than four times of the planned production number, but they refused to increase the production limit, in order to maintain exclusivity of the car.[9] Production of the AMG ONE began in August 2022, all 275 cars were set to be hand built by Mercedes-AMG, with deliveries to begin in late 2022. The first car was delivered on January 16, 2023, which had an exclusive paint job inspired by the livery of F1 W12 E Performance.[10]

Lewis Hamilton reportedly purchased two AMG ONE units, of which one is to be gifted to his father Anthony.[11] [12] Other notable owners of the AMG ONE include; former McLaren-Mercedes F1 driver David Coulthard,[13] former Mercedes F1 driver and 2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg,[14] former Mercedes F1 driver Valtteri Bottas,[15] and Australian businessman Lindsay Fox.[16]

Specifications

Exterior features

The exterior of the car is designed primarily for better aerodynamics. Notable aerodynamic features include; moveable slats which were specifically developed for the front wheelhouses, two-part extendable rear wing with DRS system and active flaps on the front diffuser which were adjustable to suit the driver chosen driving program. Additionally, large front air inlets, roof-mounted air intake, large aerodynamic fin extending down the back half of the car and aerodynamically optimized wheels to aid generate more downforce in order to carry the maximum speed at highspeed corners.

Powertrain

The powertrain of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is rated at 782kW through a hybrid drivetrain that shares many features with modern F1 cars. The car has an internal combustion engine and four electric motors.

Internal combustion engine

The car on which the engine and design of the ONE is based on is the Mercedes-AMG F1 W06, as confirmed by Mercedes-AMG board member Ola Källenius. The Mercedes-AMG ONE utilises a modified version of the Mercedes-Benz PU106B Hybrid engine, a 1.6-litre turbocharged 90-degree V6 engine.[17] [18] Modifications were done to the engine as to make comply with the idle RPM and redline regulations. Tobias Moers, claimed that the engine would be at 1,280 rpm at idle, and 11,000 rpm at its redline limit.[19] However, the engine would only last for 50000-3NaN-3 and the owners will have to return their cars for an engine refurbishment.[20] The ICE produces 422abbr=onNaNabbr=on, torque figures were claimed to be unmeasurable due to the complex drivetrain. Top speed of this car is limited at 219 mph (352 km/h).[21]

Electric motors

The internal combustion engine works in conjunction with four electric motors: a 1200NaN0 motor generator unit-kinetic (MGU-K) coupled to the crankshaft, a 900NaN0 motor generator unit-heat (MGU-H) coupled to the turbocharger, and two 1200NaN0 electric motors at the front axle.[22] The MGU-K and MGU-H are Formula One-style motors responsible for recovering energy and improving efficiency during the operation of the car.[23] More specifically, the MGU-K serves to generate electricity during braking, while the MGU-H serves to eliminate turbo lag in order to improve throttle response by keeping the turbine spinning at lower engine speeds and also to recover waste energy from the exhaust. The final two electric motors driving the front wheels make up for an all-wheel drive drivetrain, the sum of these four electric motors contribute 3600NaN0 of effective power to the total power output figure of the AMG ONE.

Transmission

The AMG ONE features a 7-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission with 4-disc carbon racing clutch (similar to the type of transmission used in modern F1 cars), and delivers the bulk of the engine power and torque to the rear wheels. The use of a single-clutch over a dual-clutch transmission was due to engineers wanting to keep the car light and concerns over the dual-clutch's ability to handle the high-revving ICE.[24] [25]

Suspension and wheels

The car contains a five-link aluminium coil-over suspension setup with two transverse adjustable push-rod spring struts, including adaptive damping adjustments. Rear axle links are shaped for better aerodynamics. It also features the hydraulic AMG carbon-fibre ceramic high-performance composite brake system, with 398 x 38 mm front composite brake discs, ventilated with 6-piston aluminium fixed callipers. 380 x 34 mm rear composite brake discs, ventilated with 4-piston aluminium fixed callipers. Additionally electric parking brake, ABS, brake assist and 3-stage ESP were also offered for the car.

The AMG ONE also has unique 10-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels emerged with NACA carbon fibre openings for brake cooling and increase downforce. Also, with diameters of 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear with F1-styled centre-lock wheel nuts. The tyres are semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs with codes of 285/35 ZR 19 for the front and 335/30 ZR 20 for the rear. The brakes are ventilated carbon-ceramic discs.

Interior features

The interior is mostly minimalist and driver-focused, continuing the F1 theme of the AMG ONE. This includes AMG Motorsport bucket seats, integrated into the carbon monocoque, a F1-style steering wheel with knobs for driving programs including; DRS, overtake etc. Paddle shifters and a driver-oriented central infotainment screen were also featured in the car. There are some traditional luxury features in the interior, notably the napa leather and hand stitching on the bucket seats.[26]

Chassis

The body is made entirely out of carbon fiber in line with its F1 counterpart, resulting in a final kerb weight of 16950NaN0. The car also features the F1 inspired exhaust tailpipe with a large round main outlet and two smaller outlets.

Performance

The ONE has six different drive modes. Including "Race Safe" mode; which features a hybrid driving mode with an all-electric start up. The ICE is switched at higher speeds. "Race" mode is also a hybrid driving mode with a special charging strategy. Also, with a continuous combustion engine run and battery charging. "EV" mode is an all-electric driving mode. "Race Plus" mode features active aerodynamics; front diffuser flaps folds up to shape, rear wing is fully extended, louvers (front fender vents) opens up, lower the car by 37 mm in front and 30 mm in rear, chassis tuning and special performance management. "Strat 2" mode, which features all "Race Plus" changes and additionally with firmer suspension tuning and full electric power from all electric motors. This is a similar driving mode for those in use in F1 cars during qualifying sessions. The "Individual" mode allows the driver to set the car settings as per their personal preferences.

In "Race Plus" and "Strat 2" modes, the total vehicle downforce increase by up to five times when compared to other drive modes. Also, the AMG ONE features F1's DRS. Reducing the vehicle's overall downforce by 20 percent from lowering the rear wing flaps and closing the front louvers to increase straight line speed. DRS can be turned off by manually and automatically from applying brakes.[27]

Official standstill acceleration times claimed by Mercedes-AMG,

Lap records

In November 2022, the AMG One set a lap time of 6:35.183 minutes around the Nürburgring Nordschleife 12.944 mile (20.832 km) course. Driven by Maro Engel, it became the fastest road-legal production car around the track, beating the previous record by over 13 seconds, held by the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Engel revealed, the track was not in ideal conditions, and some parts of the track were still on damp conditions and he had to lift throttle at those particular corners. Mercedes-AMG claimed the car could have easily done a sub 6:30 minute lap time, if the track was in ideal conditions.[28] [29] [30]

Following the Nürburgring lap record, Mercedes-AMG revealed that the AMG ONE have set new lap records around the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, Hockenheimring, and Red Bull Ring, setting lap times of 1:56.096 minutes, 1:38.563 minutes and 1:26.846 minutes respectively.[31] In April 2023, the AMG ONE was claimed that it set another production car lap record with a time of 1:43.902 minutes around the Monza Circuit.[32]

Marketing

The AMG ONE acts as one of the "hero cars" of Forza Horizon 5, being featured on the game's cover alongside the Ford Bronco.[33]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Under the microscope: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: Formula One technology for the road. Daimler. 2018-04-23. en-us.
  2. Web site: Mercedes-AMG ONE . www.mercedes-amg.com . 9 April 2023 . en.
  3. Web site: World première of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car: Mercedes-AMG brings Formula 1 technology to the road.
  4. Web site: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: Announcement of the hypercar. Mercedes-AMG. 2017-03-15. 2017-03-16.
  5. News: Here's Lewis Hamilton's take on the Mercedes-AMG Project One. Autoweek. 2018-04-23.
  6. News: HyperFight: Mercedes-AMG Project One vs. Aston Martin Valkyrie. Alaniz. Anthony. 2017-09-17. Motor1.com. 2018-04-23. en.
  7. Web site: Mercedes-AMG One Production Starts, Assembly Is Done By Hand . 2022-08-10 . Motor1.com . en.
  8. Web site: 2018 Mercedes-AMG Project One commences on track testing Autocar. www.autocar.co.uk. en. 2017-04-21.
  9. News: Zhang . Benjamin . 2017-09-11 . Here's our first look at Mercedes' new $2.7 million hypercar . Business Insider . 2018-04-23.
  10. Web site: Mercedes-AMG One Deliveries Start: See The Very First Car . 2023-01-17 . Motor1.com . en.
  11. Web site: 2017-10-16 . Formula 1 Champ Lewis Hamilton Bags £2.2m Mercedes AMG Project 1 For His Dad . 2022-06-07 . Auto Josh . en.
  12. Web site: What Kind of Car Does Lewis Hamilton Drive? . 2022-06-07 . Jerry . en.
  13. Web site: 2 May 2019. David Coulthard bought both a Mercedes-AMG One and an Aston Martin Valkyrie . 2023-08-28 . Motor Authority . en.
  14. Web site: Kelshikar . Tushar . 2024-07-19 . Nico Rosberg takes delivery of his Mercedes-AMG One hypercar . 2024-08-07 . The Supercar Blog . en.
  15. Web site: Mulach . Jordan . 2023-07-07 . F1 star Valtteri Bottas takes delivery of Mercedes-AMG One . 2024-08-07 . Drive . en.
  16. Web site: Collis . Danielle . 2024-07-30 . Billionaire shares million-dollar masterpiece with public . 2024-08-07 . News.com.au.
  17. News: Watch Mercedes-Benz AMG's One hit the Hockenheimring racetrack. Motor Authority. 2022-07-19. en.
  18. Web site: New Mercedes-AMG One revealed: price, specs and release date. Carwow. 2022-07-19.
  19. Web site: The Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar will cost €2.275m. 2017-03-07. Jack Rix. Top Gear. 2017-03-17.
  20. Web site: AMG hypercar engine only good for 50,000km. 2017-03-10. Feann Torr. motoring.com.au. 2017-03-15. dead. https://archive.today/20170421093407/http://www.motoring.com.au/amg-hypercar-engine-only-good-for-50000km-106343/. 2017-04-21.
  21. News: The Mercedes-AMG Project One Hypercar Will Have 1,020 HP. Traugott. Jay. 2017-04-24. CarBuzz. 2018-04-23. en-us.
  22. News: Mercedes-AMG Project One Photos and Info News Car and Driver. Csere. Csaba. 2017-09-17. Car and Driver. 2018-04-23. en.
  23. Web site: Power unit and ERS. Formula1.com. en. 2018-04-23.
  24. News: Revealed: 2019 Mercedes-AMG Project One Powertrain - Motor Trend. MacKenzie. Angus. 2017-05-30. Motor Trend. 2018-04-23. en-US.
  25. Web site: Mercedes-AMG ONE . 2022-07-18 . www.mercedes-amg.com . en.
  26. Web site: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Show car.. www.mercedes-amg.com. de. 2018-04-23.
  27. Web site: The new Mercedes-AMG ONE: Formula 1 technology for the road . 2022-07-22 . marsMediaSite . en.
  28. Web site: 2022-11-10 . The Mercedes-AMG One Just Set an Absurd Nürburgring Record . 2023-01-17 . Car and Driver . en-us.
  29. Web site: Mercedes-AMG One breaks Nurburgring lap record . 2023-01-17 . Auto Express . en.
  30. Web site: 2022-11-10 . The Mercedes-AMG One is the fastest ever production car around the Nürburgring . 2023-01-17 . Top Gear . en.
  31. Web site: Mercedes-AMG highlights the One hypercar's track records . 2023-01-17 . Motor1.com . en-gb.
  32. Web site: Mercedes-AMG One breaks production car record at Monza . evo . 5 April 2023 . en.
  33. Web site: Mercedes-AMG One revealed on Forza Horizon 5 cover . 2021-08-25 . 2023-07-27 . paultan.org . Jonathan . Lee . en.