The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again etched its name into automotive history, reaffirming its position as the pinnacle of production vehicle performance. Already holding the title of the fastest production car on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife since October 2022, the Mercedes-AMG ONE, piloted by Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel, has shattered its own record. In a breathtaking display of engineering and driving prowess, the hypercar clocked an officially measured and notarized time of 6:29.090 minutes over the 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) track. This remarkable feat not only shaves over five seconds off its previous best but also marks the Mercedes-AMG ONE as the first road-legal car to conquer the Nürburgring in under 6 minutes and 30 seconds – a truly magical threshold. This achievement cements its undisputed leadership in the super-sports-car category and highlights its unique status as the only series hybrid hypercar to have tackled and dominated the world’s most challenging racetrack.
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions, expressed his pride and the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence: “We’ve held the record for road vehicles for almost two years now. But at AMG, we always want to push the boundaries of what is possible to the maximum or even push them a little further. That’s why we have once again demonstrated what is possible with the unique AMG ONE. The entire team has been rewarded for its efforts and commitment. I’m proud of this determined team effort and of this fantastic record time. Once again, we’ve impressively demonstrated the spirit and expertise of AMG.”
Maro Engel, the driver behind the wheel of this record-breaking run, shared his experience and gratitude: “Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal, and some sections of the track were still a little damp. We knew we could do more, and we wanted to show that. Today we were able to demonstrate the maximum potential of the AMG ONE. Many thanks to the whole team from Affalterbach for the trust they’ve placed in me. It was a great pleasure and honor to be able to drive this record lap with such a unique car.”
Precision and Preparation: The Keys to Record-Breaking Performance
Achieving such an ambitious target demanded meticulous preparation and perfect conditions. The team meticulously analyzed every aspect, ensuring the Mercedes 1 hypercar was primed for peak performance. The ideal window presented itself on September 23, 2024, at 6:56 p.m. On his third timed lap, Maro Engel delivered the record. The weather conditions were near perfect, with an air temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit and an asphalt temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The legendary Nordschleife was completely dry, providing the crucial grip necessary for pushing the AMG ONE to its absolute limits.
Drawing parallels with Formula 1™ racing, where drivers like Lewis Hamilton and George Russell must optimize energy usage, Maro Engel expertly managed the Mercedes 1’s hybrid drive system. On a track as demanding and lengthy as the Nürburgring, strategic energy management is paramount. Engel skillfully employed the AMG ONE’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system, even utilizing the “lift and coast” technique in specific sections to maximize recuperation during braking. Extensive preliminary work in driving simulators in Affalterbach and on the Nordschleife itself provided invaluable insights, allowing the team and driver to refine their strategy for the record-breaking lap. To ensure transparency and credibility, TÜV Rheinland verified and documented the vehicle’s standard production condition, as per the regulations of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG. A notary public further confirmed the correct execution of the record drive.
Formula 1™ Technology Unleashed on the Road: The Mercedes 1 Advantage
The Mercedes-AMG ONE stands as a testament to engineering innovation, bringing Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology from the racetrack to public roads for the first time in automotive history. This Mercedes 1 hypercar harnesses the combined power of a combustion engine and four electric motors, delivering a staggering total output of 1,049 hp (782 kW). Its top speed is electronically limited to 218 mph (352 km/h), a figure that underscores its exceptional performance capabilities. Beyond the powertrain, motorsport technologies permeate every aspect of the AMG ONE, from its lightweight carbon monocoque and carbon body to the engine/transmission unit acting as a stressed member, active aerodynamics, and a sophisticated pushrod chassis.
In many respects, the two-seater Mercedes-AMG ONE surpasses even a Formula 1™ car in its technological complexity. It features the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, incorporating a hybrid-driven rear axle and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring. This advanced system ensures optimal power delivery and handling in all driving conditions.
For the record attempt, the team optimized the Mercedes 1’s setup by selecting the maximum camber values within the standard delivery tolerance. Maro Engel chose the “Race Plus” drive program, which activates the most aggressive aerodynamic settings, firms up the chassis tuning, lowers the vehicle by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front axle and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear axle, and unleashes the full power of all motors. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), activated via a steering wheel button, played a crucial role. Upon activation, the DRS retracts the louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing.
This DRS action reduces aerodynamic drag, enabling higher speeds on straight sections. In corners and twisty sections, the aero elements automatically redeploy at lightning speed, maximizing downforce and grip. Engel’s refined operation of the DRS system compared to his previous record run further unlocked the Mercedes 1’s potential. Crucially, all these performance-enhancing features and adjustments are available to Mercedes-AMG ONE customers. The car is equipped as standard with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specifically co-developed with Michelin for the AMG ONE. The standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system provides exceptional stopping power and stability, completing the package for ultimate track and road performance.
The Heart of the Beast: Formula 1™ E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive in Mercedes 1
The E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive system at the core of the Mercedes-AMG ONE is a direct descendant of Formula 1™ technology, born from close collaboration with the experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. This sophisticated and highly integrated unit comprises a hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine working in concert with four electric motors. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger itself, another is mounted directly on the combustion engine and linked to the crankshaft, and the remaining two drive the front wheels.
The Mercedes 1’s 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine, featuring electrically assisted single-turbocharging, mirrors the technology of current Formula 1™ power units. It boasts features like four overhead camshafts driven by spur gears and pneumatic valve springs, replacing traditional mechanical springs to enable incredibly high engine speeds – up to 11,000 rpm. While the engine is capable of these extreme revs, for enhanced durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline, it operates slightly below the F1 rev limit.
Electric Turbocharging: Instantaneous Response
A high-tech turbocharger further elevates the performance of this high-revving engine. The exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are separated and connected by a shaft, facilitating a lower turbocharger installation position. An approximately 121-hp (90-kW) electric motor is integrated onto this shaft. This electronically controlled motor directly drives the turbocharger shaft, pre-spooling the compressor wheel up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas takes over. In Formula 1™ terminology, this unit is known as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat).
This electric turbocharging dramatically improves engine response, providing near-instantaneous power delivery from idle speed across the entire rev range. The Mercedes 1 V6 engine reacts with exceptional immediacy to accelerator inputs, resulting in a driving experience of unparalleled dynamism. Furthermore, the electrified turbocharger enhances torque at lower engine speeds, boosting agility and acceleration. Even during deceleration, the technology maintains boost pressure, ensuring continuous responsiveness.
Turbocharger as Generator: Energy Recuperation
The electric exhaust gas turbocharger in the Mercedes-AMG ONE offers an additional advantage: it functions as a generator, recovering surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow and converting it into electrical energy. This energy is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or directed to the electric front axle or the electric motor (MGU‑K= Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) connected to the combustion engine. The MGU-K, producing 161 hp (120 kW), is positioned directly on the combustion engine and linked to the crankshaft via a spur gear system – another technology derived from Formula 1™ for maximum efficiency and performance.
Turbocharging and direct injection with spray-guided combustion not only contribute to the Mercedes 1’s immense power output but also enhance thermodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The high-performance six-cylinder engine employs two injection systems. Direct injection delivers fuel directly into the combustion chambers at pressures up to 3,916 psi (270 bar), using a multi-pulse process controlled by the engine management system. Additional port injection is implemented to achieve the engine’s high specific power output while meeting stringent emission standards.
Advanced All-Wheel Drive and Electrified Front Axle
The two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors driving the front axle can reach rotor speeds up to 50,000 rpm. Each motor is connected to a front wheel via a reduction gear. This purely electrically driven front axle enables wheel-selective operation, allowing for individual torque distribution – a feature known as torque vectoring – which significantly enhances driving dynamics. Moreover, these electric motors facilitate optimal braking energy recuperation, recovering up to 80 percent of braking energy under typical driving conditions. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, extending the electric range or contributing to enhanced drive performance. Each electric motor is managed by its own dedicated power electronics module, positioned close to the motors in the vehicle floor.
High Performance Battery: Formula 1™ Energy Storage
The lithium-ion energy storage system in the Mercedes 1 is another bespoke Mercedes‑AMG development, directly benefiting from technology validated in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid race cars under extreme conditions. The AMG High Performance Battery excels in delivering high power output repeatedly, combined with a low weight to optimize overall performance. It also features rapid energy discharge and high power density. This characteristic ensures that drivers can access full power on demand, for instance, during uphill driving, while experiencing strong recuperation during downhill sections.
The battery cell arrangement and cooling system mirror those of the Mercedes‑AMG Formula 1™ race car, although the Mercedes 1 utilizes a significantly larger number of cells for everyday usability. Its 8.4 kWh capacity provides a purely electric range of 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometers). Charging is facilitated by an integrated 3.7-kW AC on-board charger. Furthermore, the battery can be replenished via recuperation or by the combustion engine. The lithium-ion, high-voltage battery and the DC/DC converter, supporting and charging the 12-volt onboard electrical system, are efficiently packaged within the vehicle floor behind the front axle.
Innovative Direct Battery Cooling
The exceptional performance of the Mercedes 1 battery hinges on its innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around each individual cell, providing targeted cooling. Maintaining a defined temperature is crucial for optimal battery performance. Excessively high or low temperatures can degrade battery power or necessitate regulation to prevent damage. Consistent battery temperature is therefore a critical factor influencing performance, lifespan, and safety.
A high-performance electric pump circulates the coolant from top to bottom through the entire battery pack, passing each cell and flowing through a heat exchanger directly attached to the battery. This system is engineered to ensure uniform heat distribution, maintaining the battery within an optimal operating temperature window of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) – regardless of charging or discharging cycles. While high-speed driving may elevate temperatures beyond this average, the protection mechanisms are calibrated to maximize battery performance, subsequently utilizing direct cooling to regulate temperature.
This direct cooling technology enables the use of cells with exceptionally high power density. This bespoke solution results in a battery system that is both lightweight and compact. The low weight is further attributed to the material-efficient busbar concept and the lightweight yet robust crash structure of the aluminum housing, ensuring the highest levels of safety. Another key feature is the high voltage of the drive system, operating at 800 volts instead of the more common 400 volts. This higher voltage significantly reduces cable diameters, saving space and weight.
Intelligent Operating Strategies for Peak Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes 1 High Performance Plug-in Hybrid Drive System employs a range of intelligent operating strategies tailored to diverse driving scenarios. Drive programs span from purely electric operation to the highly dynamic “Strat 2” mode, akin to Formula 1™ qualifying settings, designed for achieving the fastest possible lap times. Despite the system’s complexity, the driver always benefits from the optimal balance of performance and efficiency, adapting dynamically to real-time driving demands. The Mercedes-AMG ONE, Mercedes 1, stands as a true testament to the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in a road-legal vehicle.
