The new Mercedes-AMG ONE brings Formula 1's technology to regular roads

Mercedes-AMG is the brand behind some of the world's most powerful performance cars. Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher founded AMG in 1967. The company's name has since become synonymous with speed and prowess in fields where only the most talented and fastest individuals can hope to succeed. For example, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 is a well-known AMG model because it won the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps in 1971.

Mercedes-Benz is releasing the Mercedes-AMG ONE, a street-legal version of the Formula 1 race car it inspired to celebrate its 55th year in business.

As a result, the new supercar is powered by a highly sophisticated hybrid drivetrain that incorporates Formula 1 technology. Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach worked closely with Formula 1 experts at Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains in Brixworth to develop the performance hybrid. The Mercedes-AMG ONE shows how dedicated the team members are. Like the Formula 1 cars of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is built around an ultra-light carbon fiber chassis and has active aerodynamics, a sophisticated chassis, and many advanced software-based driving programs.

With its 1,063 horsepower, the Mercedes-AMG ONE can reach speeds of up to 352 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE is an excellent example of engineering that doesn't give up and has a stubborn desire to break new ground.

Adapting a modern Formula 1 driveline to a street-legal vehicle was not widely believed to be possible. But we persisted, and I have the utmost respect for the fact that we made the Mercedes-AMG ONE. According to Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, this is an incredible accomplishment.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE uses a Formula 1-inspired hybrid drivetrain called E-PERFORMANCE. The refined power plants are complemented by four electric motors, which, among other things, ensure efficient four-wheel drive. The centrally mounted 1.6-liter V6 petrol engine is technically identical to the engines used in the racing cars.

One electric motor is mounted on the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, and another electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger of the internal combustion engine; these three electric motors together power the front wheels. The advanced setup is noticeable in providing a surplus of power even at low speeds. The electric turbocharger's instant boost causes this. The turbocharger spins at 100,000 rpm to create charging pressure before the internal combustion engine revs.

The innovative technology aids in ensuring a rapid response to the accelerator, but the one-of-a-kind driveline with an electrified turbocharger is the real deal. The electric motor in the turbocharger can turn any mechanical energy that isn't being used into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power the front wheels or to charge the high-voltage battery.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team's race cars have already shown that the technology works in the most challenging conditions. This technology is also used in the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE PERFORMANCE plug-in hybrid, where the electric driveline boosts the overall power from 639 to 843 horsepower. In addition, the Mercedes-AMG ONE has an 8.4 kWh battery pack, which means it can go up to 18.1 km on electric power alone. 

The public will see the new Mercedes-AMG ONE in action at the world-famous motorsport festival, Goodwood Festival of Speed, held from June 23rd to the 26th.