The upcoming Mercedes-AMG hypercar has lapped the Nordschleife faster than any other production car.
Mercedes has taken back the Nurburgring production car lap record once again with its F1-inspired AMG One hypercar lapping the famous “Green Hell” circuit in Germany in 6:35.183 minutes.
Professional racing driver Maro Engel was at the wheel for the record-breaking run which can be seen here and Mercedes says the track was still damp and partly dirty in some areas. Despite this, the Mercedes-AMG One set the production car record, beating the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey-Racing, which in turn had taken the record from Mercedes-AMG’s GT Black Series.
The AMG One adhered to the production car rules, using Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. During the run the car reached a top speed of 338km/h. Mercedes says the car is identical to the standard model that should be delivered to customers before the end of the year.
For the lap record, the car’s “Race Plus” driving mode was engaged, which sets the active aero in its highest downforce setting, while lowering the car by 37mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.
After a difficult development period, Mercedes-AMG One hypercar is on sale. It’s powered by an F1-derived hybrid powertrain and if you have to ask, prices start from $4.4 million and only 275 units will be built.
Mercedes has also confirmed that the One hypercar will be assembled in Coventry, UK, while its engine will be built in Brixworth. While all AMG engines are built by hand, the AMG One goes a step further – the whole car is hand-assembled as it travels down a production line consisting of 16 assembly and testing stations. That covers everything from a monsoon rain test to dyno runs and a visual inspection.
According to Mercedes, the process mirrors the production of an expensive watch, with some components being assembled and tested before being disassembled again ready to be fitted to the car. To give you an idea of how labour-intensive the process is, the Mercedes-AMG One’s body is bolted together so it can be checked for fit and finish. Once that’s complete, the whole lot is then taken apart again so that individual components can be hand painted.
Every part of the car’s powertrain – the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine, high-voltage battery and four electric motors – is hot tested before the complete unit is assembled. It’s a similar process to the one followed for the firm’s F1 engines.
Unlike an F1 car, though, the One hypercar also has to go through the same mundane tests as your A-Class hatchback – it’s got to withstand a simulated monsoon rain storm with no leaks, be fine-tuned for NVH and then complete a final inspection before it’s cleared for sale. It takes more than 50 specialists to get to this stage.
Best job on staff? Test driver – because each AMG One must complete an on-track shakedown before it’s cleared to leave the factory.
Alastair Crooks