Installing a Formula 1 engine in a road car: this is not the first time that a manufacturer has tried the experiment.
But never has the level of sophistication been so high as with the Mercedes AMG-One.
The result of close collaboration between the engineers of the F1 department of the English factory in Brixworth, the AMG technicians in Afalterbach and the Mercedes design offices in Stuttgart, the Project One supercar is close to production.
A vehicle made its first public outing last weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The first copies are now almost ready to be delivered to their owners.
It's almost a miracle as the development of this extraordinary vehicle has been a journey strewn with pitfalls.
Adapt the operation of an F1 engine to road use, even city use,
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According to the specifications, the AMG-One had to be able to start without requiring the intervention of an army of engineers and be used on a daily basis without fear of breaking down.
It's that the Project One is powered by the Formula 1 engine of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.
Hybrid technology combines F1's 1.6-litre V6 with four electric motors.
The first is directly integrated into the turbocharger, the second is installed directly on the V6 and the last two are on the front axle.
Depending on the modes, the Mercedes supercar can be rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or traction (electric mode).
A cumulative power of 1,063 hp
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Featuring air-spring distribution and revs of up to 11,000 rpm, the V6 delivers 574 horsepower.
With the contribution of the electric motor of 90 kW (122 hp) connected to the turbocharger and that of 120 kW (163 hp) connected to the crankshaft of the V6, the cumulative power comes to 680 hp.
By combining the two electric motors located on the front axle and each delivering 163 hp, Mercedes announces a total power of 1,063 horsepower.
The combustion engine is associated with a seven-speed manual gearbox developed especially for the One.
The lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 8.4 kWh provides an electric range of nearly 18 km.
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In the end, the Mercedes supercar does not exceed 1,695 kilos on the scale thanks to a monocoque cell and a carbon body but also to five-arm axles made of aluminum.
The latter incorporate adaptive suspensions.
As for the style of the car, it is dictated by the laws of aerodynamics and the significant cooling needs.
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Finally, the search for the best possible driving comfort dictated the ergonomics and the interior atmosphere.
The F1 type steering wheel covered with buttons will require, like all the elements of the car, some explanations before hitting the road.
Six driving programs are offered: electric, standard hybrid favoring electric mode, Race with the V6 which recharges the battery, Race Plus to be reserved on the circuit.
In the latter case, the aerodynamics adapt to intensive use, the chassis is lowered by 37 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear.
From the Race Plus mode, it is possible to activate the Strat 2 mode allowing full power to be available, as for a qualifying lap.
This is how 100 km/h is reached in 2.9 seconds;
200 km/h in 7 seconds.
Note that when cold,
Mercedes-Benz AG – Communications & Marketing/Daimler AG