The Mercedes AMG One started life as the Project One, unveiled in 2017. Five years later, Mercedes has largely finished development of the hypercar after numerous delays due to the global pandemic, supply chain shortages, and the complex Formula One derived powertrain. And, all of this despite the fact that the car probably shouldn't exist at all.
What is the Mercedes AMG One?
Featuring a Formula One-derived powertrain, it was unveiled at the 2017 International Motor Show in Germany by Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. The road-going AMG One is meant to showcase the victories in Formula One racing for the AMG-Petronas racing team, as well as to offer wealthy fans an opportunity to own a piece of that success.
The AMG one combines a 1.6-liter V-6 with four electric motors to produce a combined 1,049 horsepower. The engine alone produces 566 horsepower while the four electric motors fill in the additional power. Two motors are placed at the front wheels while the third is mounted on the engine and the fourth is tied to an electric turbocharger on the V-6 engine. The total weight of the AMG One sits around 3,730 pounds (1,695 kilograms), and it can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds while topping out at 219 MPH (352 KM/H)
Why was the Mercedes AMG One delayed?
A highlight feature of the AMG One, its Formula One-derived engine, is also a primary reason the project has undergone various delays. AMG announced in 2017 their intent to use the 1.6-liter V-6 engine from their Formula One race car in the then-named Project One. What the team encountered was a myriad of hurdles to comply with Euro 6 emissions and noise standards.
To meet these standards, Mercedes engineers had to devise a clever system. When you start the AMG One, the 1.6-liter V-6 engine stays off for up to 60 seconds, and you are placed into full electric driving mode as the hypercar has the four electric motors and a 8.4 kWh battery pack with up to 11.2 miles of range. In those 60 seconds, a special catalytic converter is preheated to an effective operating temperature to properly reduce exhaust emissions.
This startup procedure also aids in reducing the exhaust noise as in the Formula One car, this engine idles at a high 5,000 RPM. Mercedes engineers worked hard to reduce this idle speed to a more road-friendly 1,200 RPM. Though under full acceleration, the engine maxes out at a high 11,000 RPM.
Unlike a normal road-going car, the AMG one also has a fuel tank that must be depressurized before refueling. To do so, you operate a switch in the cabin to depressurize the tank. Only then does the fuel cap open for refueling.
How Exclusive is the Mercedes AMG One?
With production of the AMG One finally set to start now in the second half of 2022, the hypercar remains an exclusive affair. Just 275 units are going to be made and all have been sold at over $2 million each.