The biggest hole in Mercedes-Benz’s product lineup is likely something that can get to 124 mph in under six seconds, makes over 1000 horsepower from a 1.6-liter V6 with four electric motors, and tops out at about 217 mph. Oh, and it should look like a really, really pissed-off fish. That hole is now filled, thanks to the Mercedes-AMG Project One.
It’s long, low, and agressive, looking sort of like a McLaren F1 was fed steroids and cocaine and given a generous jewelry allowance.
The drivetrain layout shows that oddly tiny mid-mounted 1.6-liter V6 and the floorpan-based battery packs for the four electric motors.
Our man David Tracy, live on the scene, tells us that in the flesh it looks stunning and better than in the photos.
Looking at the images in detail, it looks like the nose badge is printed on the car, or is some sort of decal; the side graphics appear to be possibly illuminated?
According to what was heard at the presentation, the car will cost 2.275 million Euros, which comes to $2,723,288.75, assuming they don’t round up. It looks like 275 will be built for the U.S. market, and production startes at the end of 2019.
Mercedes is heavily playing up the Formula 1 roots of the car. From their press release:
“The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval. Our highly efficient hybrid assembly stems from motor racing and the electrically powered front axle generates a fascinating mixture of performance and efficiency. With a system output of over 1,000 hp and a top speed beyond 217 mph (350 km/h) this hypercar handles exactly as it looks: it takes your breath away,” Ola Källenius says, Member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline motor with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging comes right from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. It’s got pneumatic valve springs and can reach an insane 11,000 RPM.
The front axle is driven by electric motors with even more insane RPM numbers: up to 50,000 RPM.
The locations of the four electric motors appear to be as follows: two 120 kW motors on the front axle, one 120 kW motor mounted to the crankshaft, and another electric motor integrated into the turbocharger.
The interior is notable for the wide-format LCD displays used for instrumentation, and how they’re refreshingly free of LCD recreations of physical, analog gauges. The steering wheel is an F1-style rectangular wheel full of control buttons, and the seats are a novel siamesed design, with one structure draping over the central tunnel to form two buckets.
Also, unlike an F1 car, there seems to be a phone caddy in the middle.
The dorsal fin is an interesting touch, making the car look both more like some sort of sea-beast and being reminiscent of an old Tatra.