F1-engined Mercedes-AMG One has finally arrived at FOS | GRR
It feels like we’ve been waiting years, because we have, but the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar is finally with us. As excuses go for what have been a number of delays, getting a Formula 1 engine to work on the road – emissions compliance and all – is a pretty good one.
Yes, it’s well documented, the One packs a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine based on the unit in the F1 World Championship-winning Mercedes-AMG F1 W07 Hybrid of 2016. This absolute screamer of a mill revs faster than a naturally-aspirated V8 and tops out at 11,000rpm. For an emissions-compliant road-going turbo engine that’s pretty incredible. Of course, the One benefits from hybrid systems too, with an MGU-K and an extremely complex MGU-H, for a total of 1,062PS (755kW).
Video: Mercedes‑AMG One F1‑engined hypercar world debut
According to former Mercedes-AMG Boss Tobias Moers, the biggest challenge was getting the engine to idle low enough, and produce low-enough emissions when doing so. Whatever your thoughts on the car or this era of F1 engines, getting such a unit to work in a road car is an immense engineering achievement and frankly, such a project proves that Mercedes-AMG have a sense of humour.
Okay, enough about the engine, the bodywork is pretty epic as well, if not as porous as the Aston Martin Valkyrie or as elegant as the GMA T.50. There is a Ford GT-style track mode, which drops the car 1.4 inches at the front and 1.18 inches at the rear. Louvres extend to aid air evacuation from the front arches, while the front diffuser and rear wing extend to their most aggressive settings. There is also a highway mode for improved cruise comfort and an F1-style Race DRS mode for reduced drag and downforce and maximum top end performance.
Given the eight constructors’ F1 titles to its engine’s name, there’s no doubt this will be the most pedigree-laden road car money can buy. Not that money can buy it, given all 275 examples are sold for a full £2.5million.
You'll be able to catch the Mercedes-AMG One and other world debuts at the 2022 Festival of Speed by watching our live stream!
Photography by Joe Harding.