Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar Unveiled In Production Guise

A road-legal car filled to the brim with Formula 1 technology

At long last, Mercedes-AMG has officially taken the covers off its highly exclusive, extremely complex hypercar – the One. The unveiling of the hypercar, which took five years to develop, is timely as it coincides with AMG’s 55th anniversary.

At the heart of the One is the E Performance hybrid drive derived directly from Formula 1 and jointly developed with the experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. It consists of a 1.6-litre V6 engine with an electric turbocharger and four electric motors – one integrated into the turbocharger, one installed directly on the engine and two driving the front wheels.

On its own, the turbocharged petrol engine makes 574 hp at 9,000 rpm, which works out to an output of 359 hp per liter. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a newly developed automated seven-speed manual ‘box. But when combined with the quad electric motors, the One boasts a total system output of 1,063 hp, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. 0-200 km/h takes 7.0 seconds, 0-300 km/h takes 15.6 seconds, while the top speed is 352 km/h.

For a clearer picture on the drivetrain, check out the following technical data:

Keep in mind that the One is essentially a plug-in hybrid vehicle, therefore there is a lithium-ion battery on board. It is essentially the same pack found in the GT 63 S E Performance but in the One, the battery has a higher capacity of 8.4 kWh which Mercedes says is enough to provide a pure electric range of 18.1 km.

The hybrid powertrain is not the only element in the One that originates from Formula 1. Its carbon-fibre monocoque tub is also a direct result of the automaker’s involvement in that sport, along with the aluminium suspension at the front and rear, each with five links and two adjustable push-rod struts. This clever construction replaces the the conventional stabiliser to reduce body roll. There are three modes to choose from – Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

When it comes to aerodynamics, the One is certainly well equipped, the most notable being the bonnet air outlets, active flaps on the front diffuser and active air vents in the front wheel arches to increase the downforce on the front axle. Of course, you’ll also notice the roof-mounted scoop that transitions into the vertical shark fin. As part of the active aerodynamics, the chassis can be lowered by 37 mm on the front axle and by 30 mm on the rear axle. A lift system on the front axle is also provided.

The One is fitted with 10-spoke forged aluminium wheels with a centre locking system and aerodynamically enhanced radial carbon-fibre covers. They measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, and are wrapped in exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 tyres. Alternatively, customers can opt for 9-spoke magnesium forged wheels which feature a patented bionic design to maximise lightweight construction and rigidity.

Though inspired heavily by the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 cars, the One has room for two occupants, who will be sitting in deeply sculptured AMG Motorsport seats. These are almost entirely fixed, except for the backrests, which can be adjusted at 25 or 30 degrees. To find the optimal driving position, the driver can adjust the F1-style steering wheel electrically, while the pedal box is mechanically adjustable in 11 steps.

What’s the price, you ask? Well, Mercedes-AMG has never officially revealed the figures but reports suggest that the One comes with a price tag of more than 2 million euros (RM9.4 million) each. It will have production run of 275 units but there’s no use taking out your cheque books now because all of them are already spoken for.