The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again cemented its status as a hypercar icon, pushing the boundaries of performance and top speed for production vehicles. Already holding the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record since October 2022, Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel has shattered his previous best, clocking an officially measured and notarized time of 6:29.090 minutes. This blistering lap on the 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) track not only reaffirms its Nürburgring supremacy but also highlights the unparalleled engineering that allows the Mercedes-AMG ONE to achieve breathtaking top speeds. Breaking the elusive 6:30-minute barrier for road-legal cars, the AMG ONE stands as the first and only series hybrid hypercar to conquer the “Green Hell” with such ferocity, establishing itself as the undisputed king of the super-sports-car class.
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: “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 man behind the wheel, added, “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.”
The quest to surpass their own record was a meticulously planned endeavor. Ideal track conditions were paramount to achieving the sub-6:30-minute target. On September 23, 2024, at precisely 6:56 p.m., on his third timed lap, Engel carved his name further into Nürburgring history. With air and asphalt temperatures at 59 degrees and 68 degrees Fahrenheit respectively, the Nordschleife presented a dry and perfectly grippy surface, the ideal canvas for the AMG ONE to unleash its full potential.
Just as Formula 1™ drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell manage energy deployment during a race weekend, Engel expertly managed the AMG ONE’s Energy Flow Control (EFC) system. On a track as demanding and lengthy as the Nürburgring, energy management is critical. Engel strategically employed the AMG ONE’s four-stage EFC system, sometimes utilizing a “lift and coast” technique, slightly releasing the accelerator earlier than usual to maximize energy recuperation during braking. Extensive simulator testing in Affalterbach and on-track preparation provided the team and driver with crucial insights to optimize energy usage for the record-breaking lap. To ensure the record’s legitimacy, TÜV Rheinland verified the vehicle’s standard production condition, and a notary public confirmed the record drive’s correct execution, adhering to the stringent regulations of Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE: A Street-Legal Formula 1™ Machine Built for Top Speed
The Mercedes-AMG ONE isn’t just about conquering lap records; it represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, bringing authentic Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology directly to the road. This hypercar boasts a staggering 1,049 hp (782 kW) from its E PERFORMANCE hybrid powertrain, featuring a combustion engine and four electric motors. While its top speed is electronically limited to 218 mph (352 km/h), the AMG ONE’s design and engineering are fundamentally geared towards achieving and sustaining incredible speeds, whether on a racetrack or the open road. Its motorsport DNA is evident in every aspect, from the carbon monocoque and body to the engine/transmission unit acting as a stressed member, active aerodynamics, and pushrod chassis. In many respects, the two-seater Mercedes-AMG ONE surpasses even Formula 1™ racing cars in its technological complexity, featuring the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, a hybrid-driven rear axle, and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring.
For the record-breaking run, the AMG team optimized the car’s setup, selecting maximum camber values within factory tolerances. Engel chose the “Race Plus” drive program, which unleashed the most aggressive aerodynamic configuration, stiffened chassis settings, and lowered the vehicle by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear. Of course, this mode also delivered the full combined power of all motors. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), activated via a steering wheel button, played a crucial role in achieving maximum top speed on the Nürburgring’s straights. The DRS retracts louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing, minimizing drag and allowing the AMG ONE to reach even greater velocities. In the corners, the aero elements redeploy in milliseconds, generating maximum downforce for exceptional handling. Engel’s improved DRS operation compared to his previous record attempt further unlocked the AMG ONE’s speed potential.
These performance-enhancing features are not exclusive to record attempts; AMG ONE customers can experience the same level of customization and technology. The hypercar comes standard with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, co-developed with Michelin specifically for the AMG ONE to handle its extreme capabilities. The standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system ensures phenomenal stopping power and stability at high speeds, essential for both track and road driving.
Formula 1™ Inspired E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive: Powering Unprecedented Top Speed
The heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE, its E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive, is a direct descendant of Formula 1™ technology, developed in close collaboration with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. This sophisticated unit integrates a hybrid, turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 combustion engine with four electric motors in a highly complex and intelligently networked system. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger, another is linked to the crankshaft, and two additional motors drive the front wheels.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine mirrors the technology found in current Formula 1™ power units. It features spur gear-driven overhead camshafts and pneumatic valve springs to enable incredibly high engine speeds – reaching up to 11,000 rpm. While the engine is capable of Formula 1™ rev limits, it is deliberately capped slightly lower in the AMG ONE for increased durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline.
Electric Turbocharger: Instantaneous Response for Maximum Acceleration and Top Speed
A key innovation contributing to the AMG ONE’s blistering performance and rapid acceleration to top speed is its high-tech electric turbocharger. The exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are separated and connected by a shaft, allowing for a lower turbocharger placement. A 121-hp (90-kW) electric motor, known as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat) in Formula 1™ terminology, sits on this shaft. Electronically controlled, this motor directly drives the turbocharger shaft, spinning the compressor wheel up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas flow takes over.
This electric assistance dramatically improves throttle response, eliminating turbo lag from idle and across the entire rev range. The 1.6-liter V6 engine reacts virtually instantaneously to accelerator inputs, resulting in an exceptionally dynamic driving experience and contributing significantly to the car’s ability to reach its top speed swiftly. Furthermore, the electric turbocharger boosts torque at lower engine speeds, enhancing agility and acceleration. Even when the driver lifts off the accelerator or brakes, the technology maintains boost pressure, ensuring continuous, immediate responsiveness.
Turbocharger as Generator: Energy Recuperation for Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
Beyond boosting performance, the electric exhaust gas turbocharger in the Mercedes-AMG ONE also functions as a generator. It harnesses excess energy from the exhaust gas flow to generate electricity, which is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or fed to the electric front axle motors or the crankshaft-linked electric motor (MGU-K= Motor Generator Unit Kinetic). The MGU-K, producing 161 hp (120 kW), is another Formula 1™-derived technology, connected to the crankshaft via a spur gear system for maximum efficiency and power delivery.
The combination of turbocharging and direct injection with spray-guided combustion not only yields high power output but also maximizes thermodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The high-performance six-cylinder engine utilizes two injection systems: direct injection, delivering fuel into the combustion chambers at pressures up to 3,916 psi (270 bar), and additional port injection to meet the engine’s high specific power demands while adhering to emission regulations.
Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive and Electrically Driven Front Axle: Optimized Handling at Every Speed
The two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors on the front axle can spin up to 50,000 rpm. Each motor connects to a front wheel via a reduction gear, enabling a purely electric front axle with wheel-selective operation. This torque vectoring capability allows for individual torque distribution to each front wheel, significantly enhancing driving dynamics. Moreover, these electric motors facilitate optimal brake energy recuperation – up to 80 percent in everyday driving. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, extending electric range or providing additional power. Each electric motor is controlled by its dedicated power electronics, positioned close to the motors in the vehicle floor.
High Performance Battery with Formula 1™ Pedigree: Sustained Power for Peak Performance
The lithium-ion energy storage system in the AMG ONE is another bespoke Mercedes-AMG development, leveraging technology proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid race cars. This AMG High Performance Battery balances high power output with low weight, crucial for overall performance. It excels in rapid energy delivery and high power density, ensuring consistent power availability, whether accelerating uphill or recuperating energy downhill.
The battery cell arrangement and cooling system mirror the design of the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1™ race car, albeit scaled up for road use. With an 8.4 kWh capacity, it 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. The battery can also be replenished through recuperation or via the combustion engine. The lithium-ion, high-voltage battery and the DC/DC converter are compactly housed in the vehicle floor behind the front axle.
Innovative Direct Cooling: Maintaining Battery Performance at Extreme Speeds
The battery’s exceptional performance is underpinned by an innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around each individual cell, maintaining a consistent temperature. Optimal battery temperature is critical for power delivery; overheating or overcooling can significantly reduce performance or even cause damage. This direct cooling system ensures the battery operates within its ideal temperature window of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of charging/discharging cycles or driving intensity.
A high-performance electric pump circulates coolant from top to bottom through the battery pack and a heat exchanger. This system ensures uniform heat distribution, even during high-speed driving where temperatures may spike. The protection mechanisms are engineered to maximize battery performance while subsequently lowering temperature through direct cooling.
Direct cooling is essential for utilizing high power density cells, resulting in a battery system that is both lightweight and compact. The low weight is further aided by a material-saving busbar concept and a lightweight yet robust aluminum housing, ensuring exceptional safety. The 800-volt operating voltage, double the typical 400 volts, further contributes to weight and space savings by allowing for smaller cable diameters.
Intelligent Operating Strategies: Balancing Top Speed Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes-AMG ONE’s High Performance Plug-in Hybrid Drive System employs a suite of intelligent operating strategies tailored to diverse driving scenarios. Drive programs range from purely electric operation to “Strat 2,” a highly dynamic mode mirroring Formula 1™ qualifying settings for maximum performance and, ultimately, top speed. Despite the system’s complexity, the AMG ONE seamlessly delivers the optimal balance of performance and efficiency, adapting to the driver’s demands in real-time.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE’s Nürburgring record is more than just a lap time; it’s a testament to the hypercar’s holistic performance capabilities, including its phenomenal acceleration, handling, and, of course, its remarkable top speed, all derived from cutting-edge Formula 1™ technology.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com.
