Mercedes-Benz AMG Project One HyperCar

[Canadian Turbo]

The announcement was made just a few minutes ago during the Mercedes-Benz Media Night preview where the company with the three-pointed star logo also showed a sketch to serve as a teaser and build up the hype. Details are scarce at the moment of writing, but we do know for sure the new AMG beast will adopt a hybrid powertrain derived from the firm’s hugely successful Formula 1 program.

The company through the voice of head of research and development, Thomas Weber, has made the promise "there will be no compromises in terms of the emotion appeal of this car." At the same time, the hypercar "will definitely show how we will take our performance brand into the future with extremely efficient and intelligent drive train technology."

According to the latest gossip, the hypercar will actually use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine from the W07 F1 car. In the road-going model, the engine is going to adopt a biturbo arrangement and will allegedly develop a massive 900 horsepower (671 kilowatts). A pair of electric motors, which are expected to be mounted at the front wheels, will generate an extra 160 hp (119 kW).

Mercedes-AMG’s engineers are targeting an ultra-low curb weight of just 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) and are working on a very aerodynamic body to further boost performance. Speaking of which, the hypercar is expected to reach 62 mph (100 kph) in less than two and a half seconds before topping out at 220 mph (354 kph).

Based on the attached teaser sketch, the high-performance two-seater will have a curvaceous body with a prominent roof scoop and quite possibly gullwing doors as one would expect from a flagship AMG product, one that’s estimated to cost more than $4 million.

Hopefully, we will have more details about the hottest AMG product in recent years tomorrow during the first press day of the Paris Motor Show where Mercedes will also unveil a brand new electric concept.

Set to go up against the Aston Martin Red Bull hypercar, the hybridized machine from Affalterbach might be revealed as early as next year taking into account AMG will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.

[Danaldson]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Based HyperCar

mercedes pls.....

[Natty54]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Based HyperCar

Makes me think of NFS.... I always chose the CLK

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Based HyperCar

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Based HyperCar

More details have emerged about the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG hypercar – AKA Project One for those who haven’t yet happened upon the rumors, renderings, and general gossip of what should be an epic machine. Among all the Mercedes activity at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-AMG Chairman Tobias Moers said that, in addition to making over 1,000 horsepower, Project One would rev its slightly altered 1.6-liter Formula One engine to 11,000 rpm.

That’s awesome news, but with F1 mechanicals come F1 costs – in this case we’re referring to actual dollars as well as life expectancy, which Moers says should be somewhere around 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) before significant engine work is required. Bummer.

Considering each of the planned 300 cars will sell for around $2.5 million, requiring an extensive engine rebuild before the warranty expires on a new Kia probably isn’t a big deal to buyers. And that’s only a factor if these cars even get close to that kind of mileage; with such a limited production run planned it’s doubtful most will top 3,100 miles.

The wraps won’t come off this latest hypercar until the Frankfort Motor Show this fall, but more teasers are sure to come. Right now, here’s what we know: in addition to its slightly tweaked F1 engine, it will adapt the hybrid setup used in the company’s W07 F1 car – the one that absolutely dominated the 2016 Formula One season with 19 wins, 20 poles, and 33 podium finishes. Electric motors up front will work with the engine to send power to all four wheels, and with a curb weight around 2,200 pounds, it will be insanely fast.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG F1 Based HyperCar

Full reveal Tuesday!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG Project One HyperCar

It’s finally here. Ahead of the start of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dieter Zetsche, revealed the new Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar, and it’s just as impressive as expected. The stats you care about: Zero to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph) in under six seconds. A top speed above 217 mph (350 km/h). More than 1,000 horsepower. And, to top it off, up to 16 miles (25 kilometers) of all-electric driving range.

“This vehicle will make all previous performance limits at AMG and Mercedes look small,” Zetsche said, adding that it will be “the most efficient” hypercar of its kind.

Although we had, of course, seen its basic shape in various teaser photos, and learned much already about its powertrain, this is our first official look at the Project One from top to bottom. It’s a stunning, aerodynamic shaped design that hugs the road. The entire body is a carbon-fiber monocoque, Note front fenders that rise above the wheels, a dramatically sculpted tail with ultra-wide taillights, and a roof scoop to feed the rear-mounted 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine – yes, which is derived from Mercedes’ F1 engines and can rev to 11,000 rpm. To achieve such lofty speeds without valve float, there are pneumatic valve controls rather than traditional valve springs. It’s fed by an electric turbocharger and, Mercedes says, has more than 40 percent thermal efficiency, an impressive figure. Another electric motor is linked to the engine for additional hybrid boost. Total output to the rear wheels is “over” 671 hp (500 kw).

The engine is supplemented by two more electric motors, one for each front wheel; they are rated for 120 kilowatts (161 hp) each and can spin up to 50,000 rpm. Power is stored in lithium-ion batteries, and Zetsche says that up to 80 percent of braking energy can be recuperated from the front wheels to the batteries. The batteries alone weigh about 220 pounds (100 kg), and in fact, there are four times more cells than in the Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid racing car. The electrical system also runs at 800 volts, which Mercedes says is double the usual voltage of its plug-in cars.

Production volumes, as expected for an extreme hypercar like the Project One, will be extremely limited: just 275 copies at €2.275 million (that's about $2.27 million) apiece. In fact, we've even heard the car is already sold out.

“This means that we will have to make some car lovers sad, whereas some, few, will burst with happiness I believe,” Zetsche said.

As to the chassis, motorsports-style inboard, pushrod suspension coilovers suspend the wheels, and the 8-speed automated-manual transaxle is a stressed member to which the rear suspension is attached. The front wheels are 19 inches in diameter and 10 inches wide, while the rears are 20x12 inches; both wear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Carbon-ceramic brakes are standard. The transmission is brand-new for the Project One and can either be used in automatic mode or via paddle shifters.

Inside, the function-first cabin features a Formula 1-inspired steering wheel, a large color display that serves as the instrument cluster, and a secondary display perched atop the center stack. There’s no much else inside the cabin: The two seats are relatively spartan, though Mercedes notes that the car’s pedals and steering wheel are adjustable for different drivers to fit comfortably.

The Mercedes-AMG Project One is, then, everything we expected: A high-tech push at the limits of road-car technology that quite literally brings F1 performance to the streets. Take a closer look at the Project One in the gallery below.

[Danaldson]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG Project One HyperCar

ok that thing looks incredible! Giving me total Koenigsegg Regera vibes.

[asp gti]

Re: Mercedes-Benz AMG Project One HyperCar