For quite a long time, Mercedes-Benz has been elusive about entering the hypercar game. Even though it had full capabilities, Mercedes never ventured into this market segment, with 1997 CLK-GTR being the closest to a hypercar. But, it all changes with the introduction of Project ONE, a 1000+ Mercedes-AMG hybrid hypercar.
Mercedes-AMG started developing the car in 2014. Initially, the project was called X1, but was later dubbed R50 in celebration of AMG’s 50th birthday. The first big announcement happened this year at Geneva, where Mercedes-AMG exhibited a fiberglass bodyshell. Even though the new hypercar didn’t have an interior, it looked truly amazing. Now, in Frankfurt, the Project ONE is finally here, and the automotive world is in awe!
Project ONE is all about Formula 1 technology
The car draws technology from Formula 1, and with that in mind, it has a mid-mounted turbo V6 engine from the championship F1 car. The powerplant may have mere 1.6L, which doesn’t sound much, but the power is astounding. Thanks to F1 technology, the engine can rev to 11,000, and combined with turbocharging and hybrid power, the claimed output is more than 1,000 horsepower! Claimed power figures are outrageous: 0-124 MPH takes 6.5 seconds, and the top speed of 217 MPH.
The hybrid layout is particularly interesting because the car has one internal combustion engine and four electric ones. One MGU-K electric engine is attached to the crankshaft and it powers the rear wheels. The V6 and MGU-K have a combined output of 670 horses to the rear wheels. The next electric engine acts as a turbocharger and has 121 horses, and finally, there are two engines with 161 horses powering the front wheels. Those two motors can make the Project ONE into a FWD car in full EV mode, but the all-electric range is just 25 miles.
Astounding performance matches its amazing design
Last but not least, there are the looks. This 21st century Silver Arrow looks more like a prototype car than a flashy hypercar. That basically means that Mercedes-AMG concentrated on performance rather than the looks. Every bit of the car is there for sheer functionality, but it still looks amazing. The bodywork is sleek and rounded with a massive dorsal fin spoiler which both looks cool and adds to the aerodynamics. Apart from that, there’s also a classic rear spoiler for increased downforce. The interior has cast carbon seats with adjustable pedals and controls and small luggage compartments behind them. Air condition and electric windows come as standard.
There will be 275 examples of the Project ONE, at a staggering price of $2.7 million and Mercedes-AMG already has the whole production run reserved. The first cars will roll off the production lines in 2019, and we can’t wait to see them in person.
