MINI ONE Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Mercedes-AMG evolved from being a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz into a separate brand focused on high-performance vehicles, and the ONE was a special project that marked the 75th Anniversary of the marque.

Based in Affalterbach, Germany, AMG was founded in 1967 as an independent engineering company specializing in performance enhancements of Mercedes-Benz road cars. Over time, it also worked for other automakers, but the three-pointed star brand remained its main focus. Subsequently, in 1999 it became a subsidiary of the big German premium carmaker, and in 2012 it made it onto Formula 1 as Mercedes-AMG. Ten years after, it launched the ONE, a hypercar like no other, which had its underpinnings developed mostly for race tracks, even if it was street-legal.

The ONE's look was made under the form follow function principle, and it featured a low nose, with an integrated grille on the bumper flanked by massive side scoops that were fully functional, needed to cool not only the brakes but also some electronic parts and also meant to divert the airflow around the bodywork to improve aerodynamics. On the sloped-down roof, the automaker installed an air intake for the engine mounted in front of the rear axle. Finally, a massive wing at the back ensured the downforce needed on a track.

The cabin was revolutionary in terms of design for any other production model Mercedes-Benz ever created. It featured a squarish steering wheel that sported several buttons and LEDs for the shift-lights. Fronting the driver was a rectangular display for the instrument panel, while atop the center stack was a second screen for the infotainment system. Because yes, Mercedes-AMG installed one in the ONE. The two sports seats with integrated headrests were wrapped in Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber, while the rest of the cabin abounded in carbon-fiber trims.

But the most significant part of the hypercar was on the engineering side, where a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a pair of electric motors ensured the high performance of the ONE.