AMG Project One | All facts so far
The facts are scattered, we round them up
Mercedes-AMG is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and you've undoubtedly heard about them launching an F1 inspired hypercar. As its reveal draws closer, the brand is slowly unveiling more and more about their provisionally-called AMG Project One. Facts surrounding the car are scattered across the great big interwebs, with many not listing the facts correctly. All the more reason to check and double check the facts before we sum them up for you.
"most fascinating two-seaters to ever hit the road” -AMG
Where it all started
In 2015 the brand started with a feasibility study, Daimler CEO Dr Zetsche told TG, this study ended in February last year with a proverbial green flag. Fun fact: Dr Zetsche revealed during the chat that he actually called Andy Cowell, a man responsible for AMG's high output engines, and asked him if it was possible to put an F1 drivetrain in the car. He only needed two months to figure out if it was possible. It is.
Drivetrain
Driven by an AWD drivetrain, the car will utilize the W07 1.6 liter V6 used by the AMG Petronas F1 team as the main source of power. Its combined power output will be "above 1000hp" mark and will come from a hybrid setup (electrics powering the front axle alone). Power for its electrical motor will come from a set of energy recovering techniques, these will turn mechanical and thermal energy into electric power. Idle speed for the V6 won't be around 4000 rpm like the F1 cars, but set at around "1200" rotations said Dr Zetsche to TG. Its redline? Above 10,000 rotations, all while still being able to run 25 kilometers on its batteries alone. The brand is currently testing the engine and has already fired up its first one last year.
Design
Design details are very scares, the brand's latest teaser revealing the most to date. Several sources, our own included, have been shown the AMG Project One's design. They've stated that the design has been finalized, something Dr Zetsche also confirmed to multiple media. He told that the car will have massive openings to accommodate for the cooling the car will require.
Handling
AMG has repeatedly stated that there won't be a track-only version of the AMG Project One, instead they aim to build an "F1 car for the road." No official weight has been announced but it is clear that the car's chassis and shell will be made of carbon fiber. Rumors do however state that weight will be around 1100 kilograms. Lewis Hamilton is involved in the development of the car, as a test driver that is. The brand claim the car will be relatively easy to drive. Their AMG Torque Dynamics helping a hand, a system that can send varying amounts of torque to each wheel.
Price and production numbers
Just 300 units will roll out of the factory, below half of what Aston and Red Bull are pulling off. Mercedes-AMG is planning to have all models sold before delivery starts. Pricetag? A whopping 2.4 million dollars, without taxes.
When it will hit the road?
We'll probably lay eyes on it sooner but it's set to be unveiled in Frankfurt this September during the IAA, with the first customer drives taking place in 2018. sources; AutoCar.co.uk, MotorAuthority, Daimler Press, AutoExpress, AutoCar, MotorOne
