Mercedes-AMG One hypercar hits the track

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aria-label="20C0424 001"Mercedes-AMG has broken its lengthy silence over the delayed Project One hypercar programme by releasing new images and details of the car’s advanced testing phase.

The 745kW-plus all-wheel drive model, which uses a hybridised 1.6-litre V6 adapted from that of Mercedes-AMG’s championship-winning 2017 Formula 1 car, will simply use the ‘One’ name for production.

aria-label="20C0424 002"The car was originally due in early 2019, but it is understood that date was pushed back because of engineering struggles that have included getting the complex powertrain to comply with WLTP emissions standards using a petrol particulate filter without compromising performance.

Problems also occurred with the F1-based engine’s idle speed, which is around 5000rpm in race spec. Engineers were tasked with making the unit run properly at an idle speed of around 1200rpm, described as a “tremendous challenge”.

Testing has now moved beyond static processes and is focused on test tracks. The company is using its Immendingen proving ground with the objective of “reaching a new dimension of driving dynamics and performance for a road-going vehicle”.

aria-label="98 mercedes amg one official camo tracking rear"

Development targets include the engine delivering “perfectly in terms of everyday performance” and being able to operate solely in all-electric mode for up to 16 miles. It is not yet clear if the car will be able to meet the concept’s performance claims of a 350km/h top speed and 0-200km/h in six seconds.

aria-label="20C0424 004"Testing will soon move to the Nürburgring, where the firm is likely to attempt some sort of lap record once tuning is complete.

The One has retained much of the 2017 concept car’s design. Minor revisions to aerodynamic functions are visible and they could change again before production, with track testing focused on calibrating the active aero components such as the louvres, air outlets in the front wings and rear spoiler.

Further details of the One, including its production-spec unveiling, have yet to be given. However, customers have been told to expect their cars to be delivered “throughout” 2021.

Lawrence Allan

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