Mercedes-AMG ONE: The Most Insane Hypercar Testing at the Nurburgring
In a thrilling development for car enthusiasts, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is back on the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife for another round of testing. This time, two examples of this spectacular machine were spotted in action, accompanied by teams from Mercedes-AMG and Multimatic. The involvement of Multimatic, renowned for their work on the second-generation Ford GT, adds an extra layer of intrigue to these tests.
Unprecedented Collaboration
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is no ordinary hypercar. Assembled in the United Kingdom with assistance from Multimatic, this car is a masterpiece of modern engineering. Why the UK and not Multimatic’s home base in Canada, you ask? The answer lies with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains of Brixworth, the same team responsible for Mercedes' Formula 1 hybrid 1.6-liter turbo V6 power units. These engines are the heart of the ONE, making it a street-legal embodiment of Formula 1 technology.
Each unit is crafted by hand, with a limited production run of just 275 cars. The assembly process is meticulous, involving 16 distinct stages. Once assembled, each car must pass rigorous tests at a proving ground before it’s cleared for delivery. This intricate process ensures that every customer receives a vehicle that meets the highest standards of performance and quality.
Why Nurburgring Testing?
The sight of two Mercedes-AMG ONEs tearing up the Nurburgring raises questions. Why is this hypercar undergoing additional tests? While concrete answers are elusive, history offers some clues. Recall the evolution of the Ford GT – from its 647-horsepower 2017 version to the improved 660-horsepower models from 2020 onwards. Ford achieved this by making both hardware and software upgrades, enhancing performance, and adding features like higher-energy ignition coils, gallery-cooled pistons, and upgraded cooling systems.
It’s plausible that Mercedes-AMG and Multimatic are following a similar path. Perhaps they’re working on an update or developing a performance package for the ONE. If so, this could mean even more power, better handling, or new technological advancements. For now, we can only speculate, but one thing is certain: whatever they’re cooking up will be worth the wait.
Performance Highlights
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes the Mercedes-AMG ONE so special. It boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine, complemented by an MGU-H, an MGU-K, and two electric motors driving the front axle. The combined output is a staggering 1,063 horsepower, with power sent to the rear wheels via a single-clutch automated manual transmission. Why not a dual-clutch system? The answer lies in weight and the ability to handle the high-revving engine, which peaks at an incredible 11,000 rpm.
This engine’s rev limits are remarkable, even compared to titans like the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the latter of which maxes out at 11,100 rpm. Then there’s the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, which reaches an astonishing 12,100 rpm. The ONE’s performance is thus positioned within an elite group of hypercars pushing the envelope of engineering.
The Wait Continues
As we await more details, the sight of the Mercedes-AMG ONE on the Nurburgring is enough to keep enthusiasts buzzing. Whether it’s an update or a new package, the future of this hypercar looks incredibly promising. Until then, let’s relish the numbers, the technology, and the sheer thrill of this marvel of modern engineering.
For those who missed it, be sure to check out the spy video capturing these moments of the Mercedes-AMG ONE in action at the Nurburgring. Watching this engineering marvel in motion is nothing short of exhilarating.