Mercedes-AMG One packs 1,063hp and Formula 1-derived technologies

MANILA: To mark its 55th anniversary Mercedes-AMG, has unveiled its One hypercar. The two-seater super sports car brings Formula 1 hybrid drive technology that produces 1,063hp from one combustion engine and four electric motors, with a top speed capped at 352kph.

The Mercedes-AMG One will also officially be seen in action for the first time in the UK, as part of the Festival of Speed at Goodwood from June 23 to 26. 

Not only does the Mercedes-AMG One take the E Performance technology from the Mercedes' expertise in Formula 1, but also takes various equipment from the motorsports series. This ranges from the carbon-fiber monocoque and carbon-fiber body, the load-bearing engine and transmission unit, active aerodynamics and the push-rod suspension.

Alongside these complex technologies, the Mercedes-AMG One features the AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The AWD consists of a hybrid-driven rear axle and electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring. Thanks to the drivetrain, the hypercar can also drive purely on electric power. 

The electric motors are connected to, and the power figure is produced by, a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid engine with electrically assisted single-turbocharging, which corresponds in its technology to the current Formula 1 power unit. The engine, mounted in mid-engine position in front of the rear axle, revs up to 11,000 rpm. However, for longer durability and the use of commercial super plus petrol, it deliberately stays below the F1 rev limit.

The Mercedes-AMG One's 1.6-liter V6 engine responds spontaneously to accelerator pedal commands, while the electrification of the engine's exhaust gas turbocharger enables higher torque at low engine speeds. Both of these qualities increase the hypercar's agility and optimizes acceleration. Even when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator or brakes, the technology is able to maintain boost pressure at all times to ensure a continuously direct response.

Another advantage and Formula 1-derived technology is the electric gas turbocharger's  Motor Generator Unit Kinetic (MGU-K) system. With MGU-K,  surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow is used to generate electrical energy as a generator. This is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or fed to the electric front axle or the electric motor on the combustion engine. The MGU-K has an output of 120kW, is positioned directly on the combustion engine to give additional engine boost. 

All in all, the Mercedes-AMG One's high performance plug-in hybrid drive system offers numerous drive programs are optimally adapted to different application scenarios. The drive programs range from purely electric operation to a highly dynamic mode (Strat 2), which corresponds to a setting used in Formula 1 qualifying for the best possible lap times. 

Impressive acceleration values are possible with the  Race, Race Plus and Strat 2 drive programs activated. The One can sprint from a standstill to 200kph in just seven seconds. 

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by means of a seven-speed manual transmission completely newly developed for the Mercedes-AMG One. The lightweight transmission design saves weight, while integration into the body enhances rigidity and takes up little space.

The One's transmission is specifically designed for the high torque and speed capacity of the powerful Formula 1 hybrid powertrain. Shift rods and the four-disc carbon-fiber clutch are hydraulically controlled, while the gear ratios are designed to minimize the power difference after upshifting and keep the combustion engine at high revs. 

The basis for the outstanding driving characteristics of the Mercedes-AMG One is the lightweight and high-strength carbon-fiber monocoque, the technology of which also originates from Formula 1. 

For the chassis, aluminum construction is used at the front and rear, each with five links and two adjustable suspension struts. The coil-over suspension has several special features: both push-rod spring struts have been installed across the direction of travel. The innovative arrangement of the spring and damper unit replaces the function and use of a conventional tubular cross stabilizer. This solution reliably prevents rolling movements, even during very rapid directional changes, without being uncomfortable. 

With hydraulically controlled aerodynamics, the Mercedes-AMG One sees increased downforce on the front and rear axles and also improved aerodynamic efficiency. Depending on the driver's preference and the selected drive program, three different aerodynamic setups are available, one of which is the Race DRS (Drag Reduction System) similar to Formula 1 race cars.

With DRS, the rear wing flap retracts completely and the louvres are closed. Although this reduces downforce by around 20 percent, the Mercedes-AMG One reaches high speeds even faster. DRS can be deactivated manually or is automatically deactivated as soon as the driver brakes or lateral acceleration is measured.

Inside the Mercedes-AMG One, the F1 inspiration is seen with the race steering wheel that use original race car components. The "shift light" is displayed at the top of the steering wheel rim, which is also flattened at the top and bottom.

The One's tiller also uses two integrated AMG steering wheel button that can be used to activate various functions, such as the drive programs, the nine-stage AMG Traction Control, the activation of the DRS or the suspension settings.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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