Mercedes-AMG Project ONE: A thin line between Formula 1 and Supercar Hybrid

This concept car, dubbed Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, aims to reduce the boundary between Formula 1 and standard hypercar.

Presented for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), this two-seater supersport is a first for Mercedes: the undisputed leader in the manufacturers' standings in the premier car category, the group is transposing Formula 1's hybrid technology for the first time into a vehicle intended for the general public.

Capable of developing 1,000 horsepower for a top speed of more than 350km/h, the engine is the result of hard work done by mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains motorsport experts at Brixworth. The engine block is thus composed of a highly integrated and intelligently interconnected unit combining a turbo hybrid thermal engine (1.6L V6) and four electric motors: one is integrated into the turbocharger, another is located just on the thermal engine and is connected to the vilebrequin, two others drive the front wheels. Thus, the vehicle could reach "without forcing" the 11,000 rpm, a regime almost never seen for a "classic" road vehicle.

"For us, motorsport is not an end in itself. In a context of maximum competition, we are developing technologies that will also benefit our production vehicles in the future. The experiences and successes of three world championships manufacturers and drivers are now being used by us to translate Formula 1 technology to the road for the first time: on the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of AG's Board of Directors and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

A 0 to 200km/h in less than 6 seconds, an electric power recovery during braking, an instant thermal/electric switch and its 8-speed, hydraulically controlled manual gearbox... Everything is done to blur the line between F1 and road-approved car. A true forerunner, the vehicle aims to be the first in a long series of vehicles using the same technologies, outside of racing and sporting events.

To acquire one of the 275 or so copies in production, you will have to pay the sum of 2.275 million euros (and 500,000 euros in installment). Discover the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE through the photo gallery below.