Mercedes-AMG presents ‘Project ONE’

Amidst all the new car reveals at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the Project One hypercar from Mercedes-AMG stole the show.

Unveiled by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Project One is still under development and more than 18 months away from hitting the road, but that hasn’t stopped the total production run of 275 units selling out. Trucking magnate Lindsay Fox is rumoured to be one of eight Australians who’ve put down a deposit for a car that’ll carry a local price tag of more than $5 million.

Genuine Pedigree

While many cars have claimed to be a “Formula 1 car for the road” over the years, the Project One arguably comes closer than any other, as it uses the same 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine as the current Mercedes W08 F1 racers.

While detuned for the road, the combination of that F1-spec V6 and four electric motors – two on the front axle, one on the turbocharger and one mated to the engine – deliver a claimed 1,000+hp (740+kW), a 350+km/h top speed and 0-200km/h acceleration of under six seconds. Mercedes-AMG hasn’t released a 0-100kmh figure, but expect it to be under three seconds.

The V6 can rev up to 11,000rpm, with the front axle motors spinning at up to 50,000rpm; more than double the current maximum for comparable motors. Adding an electric motor to the turbocharger claims to eliminate turbo lag and deliver faster response times than even a naturally-aspirated V8.

The turbo’s electric motor also draws heat from the exhaust system and transfers that into electricity, which can be stored in the hypercar’s lithium-ion battery or combined with the additional electric motor on the engine, which has a similar kinetic function.

The two front electric motors give Project One all-wheel drive ability and can also run independently, giving a torque vectoring function. Kinetic energy from braking – on ceramic brake discs with ABS as standard - can be recovered by these motors, just like the F1 cars.

On electric power alone, the Project One has a range of 25km, while the rear-wheel drive from the rest of the powertrain is controlled by an all-new 8-speed hydraulic transmission. Specifically developed for this car, the transmission can operate automatically, or with manual control via paddle shifters.

Carbon and Aero

Project One is built around a carbon fibre monocoque, with both the engine and gearbox serving as stressed members and mounting points for the rear suspension.

The suspension consists of a multi-link design front and rear, with placement of the spring/damper units designed to prevent body roll, even during rapid changes in acceleration. The car’s ESP package is three-mode adjustable and can be switched off.

Forged aluminium wheels (19-inch front and 20-inch rear) are exclusive to the Project One and include partial carbon fibre covers designed to improve aerodynamics and heat dissipation from braking.

On the exterior, Mercedes-AMG says every panel has been designed with a specific purpose and includes an automatically-extending front splitter, front wheelarch louvres, F1-derived roof-mounted engine air intake and rear ‘shark fin,’ a large two-piece diffuser and extendable rear spoiler.

Function and Comfort

Inside, there’s more carbon fibre, with a pair of 10-inch digital displays, one directly in front of the driver and the other on the centre console. A camera replaces the rear view mirror, which displays vison on a roof-mounted screen that also holds other vehicle controls.

Seats are F1-inspired racing buckets for two, trimmed in a mix of nappa leather and mesh fabric, while the steering wheel is similarly inspired by the W08 racers, albeit with an airbag.

For all its stripped-back racing focus, there are some luxuries included in Project One, like power windows, air conditioning, Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system and several storage compartments.

"[This] hypercar is the most ambitious project we have every undertaken,” said Tobias Moers, Head of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

“Project One raises the bar in terms of what is currently technologically feasible and thanks to its combination of efficiency and performance it represents an absolute benchmark.”