Mercedes-AMG Project One: This Is Freaking It
Could Mercedes-AMG’s Project One be the first, true, hardcore hypercar of recent times? 6SpeedOnline says — yes.
Hypercar: which one comes to mind? For us, it’s the likes of the McLaren F1, Ferrari F40, Porsche 959, Jaguar XJ220, the first-generation Bugatti Veyron and the recent McLaren P1. While newer creations like the Pagani Huayra, Porsche 918 Spyder and the Ferrari LaFerrari are nearly as impressive, they’re not quite as special — as earth-shattering. The newly-announced Mercedes-AMG Project One is all of that, and then some.
Accompanied by Dr. Dieter Zetsche and F1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, the Project One has managed to stun the world with its radical styling and mind-blowing performance. The powerplant found inside the three-pointed star is identical to the one that rocketed Nico Rosberg’s racing car to the 2016 F1 driver and manufacturer’s title. (Sorry, Lewis.)
Total power output from the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine and the electric motor is whopping 670 horsepower. Is that it? No, not quite. An additional electric motor is mounted on the front axle (for AWD capabilities). This boosts the overall power figure to over 1,000 horsepower. Such an advanced engine deserves an equally capable 8-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claims this transmission is bespoke and has never been used in a street application. An equally complex multi-link suspension adorns the front and rear, which features push-rod spring struts and adjustable coil-overs for perfect on-track management.
In case you’re wondering, the automaker claims a top speed in excess of 217 mph, but didn’t dabble on 0-60 mph estimates. But, they did release that the engine can rev up to 15,000 rpm, and that it produces peak power at a staggering 11,750 rpm.
Inside, the driver seats to the side and commandeers the hypercar through a F1-inspired steering wheel and a couple of digital screens. As one would expect, everything is purpose-driven. Though, we can’t help but be disappointed by the lack of a McLaren F1-like center seat.
It’s not clear if Mercedes-AMG Project One owners will receive the sort of ultra-VIP treatment and track support like Ferrari does their FXXK-owning Corse Clienti. In addition, the new AMG rocket shares a great resemblance with the upcoming Aston Martin hypercar, the Valkyrie. Only 275 samples will be made at $2.73 million dollars, and reportedly all samples have been sold.
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