2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE

Show Stealer
Mercedes-AMG may have stolen the Frankfurt Motor Show with the debut of its extreme supersports car, the Project ONE. Helping to celebrate AMG’s 50th anniversary, this 2-seat coupe borrows from Mercedes’ extensive Formula One experience and builds what is basically a street-legal race car. Three-time Formula One World Champion and Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton piloted the Project ONE onstage in Frankfurt.

F1 for the Street
“Motorsport is not an end in itself for us. Faced with intense competition, we develop technologies from which our production vehicles also subsequently benefit. We are drawing on our experiences and successes from three constructors’ and drivers’ world championships to bring Formula 1 technology to the road for the first time: in Mercedes-AMG Project ONE,” said , Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dr Dieter Zetsche.

Four Electric Motors
When most car companies refer to bringing their racing technology and experience to the street, it usually isn’t as literal as what Mercedes-AMG has done. The Project ONE utilizes a full-fledged Formula One hybrid drive system consisting of a hybrid turbocharged combustion engine that makes use of four electric motors.

F1 Powertrain
Power starts with the same engine found in a Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One race car — a 1.6-liter direct-injection V6 engine that uses an electrically-assisted turbocharger. The electric motor can drive the compressor turbine up to 100000 rpm in the right situation. The V6 can rev up to 11000 rpm, and an additional electric motor pairs with the V6 and features a link directly to the driveshaft.

All-Wheel Drive
As if this wasn’t enough, there are two electric motors fitted to the front axle that provide acceleration and braking at each wheel for better stability and all-wheel-drive control. The axle motors also recuperate up to 80 percent of the braking energy for later use.

New Gearbox
The Project ONE uses an all-new 8-speed automated manual transmission developed specifically for this supercar. Gearshifts can be accomplished via paddle shifters, or the transmission can be left in automated mode.

Very Fast
This very complex system of electric motors, gas engine and turbocharger comes together to produce more than 1000 horsepower. Although we typically tell you how fast a car such as the Project ONE would reach 60 mph, Mercedes-AMG is only reporting that this extreme supercar will reach 124 mph (200 km/h) in less than 6 seconds. Top speed is reported at 217 mph.

Unique Wheels and Tires
Even the wheels and tires have been developed exclusively for the Project ONE. The 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels have a center lock with a carbon-fiber semi-cover. The shape helps aerodynamics by improving airflow around the wheels. These bespoke wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also developed exclusively for this Mercedes-AMG supercar.

Stopping Power
Equally as important as going fast is stopping fast — the Project ONE has advanced ceramic high-performance compound brakes, which are lighter, offer a longer service life and have high thermal stability.

F1 for Two
Mercedes-AMG describes the interior of the Project ONE as a Formula One car for two. The carbon fiber monocoque has integrated bucket seats, and a center tunnel separates driver and passenger. The steering wheel adds to the race car feel with a Formula One styling. The wheel’s top and bottom are flattened to create a rectangular shape, with integrated controllers in the center. LED shift lights display in the upper area of the steering wheel.

Limited Numbers
We should point out that the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is still a concept car; however, Mercedes reps tell us that the production version should not change much from this concept. When it does go on sale only 275 will be built, and each will sell for €2.275 million ($2.72 million). Keep that checkbook handy.