New Info on Mercedes-Benz Hypercar
Mercedes-Benz Calls on AMG to Develop Formula One-Derived Hypercar
It seems like every few years, there’s a new hypercar war, with the last round being fought by Porsche, Ferrari, and McLaren. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Mercedes-Benz is working on a next-generation AMG hypercar, codenamed “Project One.”
At the Detroit auto show earlier this month, AMG’s Tobias Moers shared a few key details that have us all too excited about the upcoming hypercar. High off of their Formula One World Championship victory, MB’s new hypercar will have a powertrain derived from the 2015 F1 car. It will make at least 1,000 horsepower.
The powertrain is a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 coupled to a pair of generators running off a lithium-ion battery. One generator spools the turbo and prevents lag. The other connects directly to the driveshaft. Both are capable of collecting energy. The latter through regenerative braking, and the former through exhaust gases, according to Motor Authority.
ALSO SEE: Mercedes-AMG’s New Project One Teased at CES
One (or possibly two) electric motors will feed power to the front wheels. This will create an all-wheel-drive system reminiscent of the one used on the Porsche 918 Spyder. As much of the car will be produced from carbon fiber as possible, keeping weight to a minimum and aiding efficiency. It’s clear that Mercedes-Benz wants to build the most fuel-efficient hypercar ever.
Alas, all of this technology and innovation will come with a steep price tag. The last-generation hypercars were expensive, at around a million dollars each. But be prepared to pick your jaw up off the floor: the Project One is expected to sell for around $2.5 million.
Are you looking forward to Project One? How do you think it will compare to its competitors? Post your thoughts on our forum.
