Photo: Mercedes-AMG
As Mercedes-AMG prepares to hit the delivery target for the first examples of the Project One in 2019, the Affalterbach-based automaker tests the Formula 1-inspired hypercar behind closed doors. This pre-production prototype, for example, has been put through its paces “on a secret test ground in England.”
Considering that the Formula 1 team is also based in the United Kingdom and the Project One uses a modified hybrid power unit from the W09 EQ Power+ single-seater that dominates the king motorsport to the detriment of Ferrari, it makes sense for the German hypercar to be developed in the Albion.
The High Performance Powertrain facility in Brixworth, England is another pivotal site for the development of the Project One. According to Mercedes-AMG, the engine and hybrid system are subjected to the “toughest race track tests,” mostly of the virtual type.
Mercedes-AMG confirms the Project One has finished hundreds of testing hours up to now, but the best is yet to come. Camouflaged prototypes “are still being driven on closed-off test grounds and racetracks,” and in a few months, the 1,000-plus horsepower Formula 1 car for the road will hit the Nurburgring for further chassis tuning.
The automaker argues that the sound generated by the 1.6-liter V6 makes the car “hard to keep from the public,” but the truth of the matter is, there’s no spy clip of the Project One on full throttle to put this assertion to the test. Being more extreme and tech-crazy than the Ferrari F50 from the 1990s, we’re certain Mercedes-AMG isn’t bluffing in this regard.
At the end of the day, however, the Project One can’t escape the fact that six cylinders will never equal the viscerality of eight, ten, and twelve cylinders. But on the other hand, people aren’t buying the Mercedes-AMG with sound as the top priority, but the Formula 1 technology adapted for the public road.
On a final note, the exclusive character of the Project One makes the Mercedes-AMG hypercar an instant classic. 275 will be manufactured in total, each starting from €2.275 million. Oh, and by the way, the engine redlines at 11,000 rpm and needs to be rebuilt every 50,000 kilometers.
The High Performance Powertrain facility in Brixworth, England is another pivotal site for the development of the Project One. According to Mercedes-AMG, the engine and hybrid system are subjected to the “toughest race track tests,” mostly of the virtual type.
Mercedes-AMG confirms the Project One has finished hundreds of testing hours up to now, but the best is yet to come. Camouflaged prototypes “are still being driven on closed-off test grounds and racetracks,” and in a few months, the 1,000-plus horsepower Formula 1 car for the road will hit the Nurburgring for further chassis tuning.
The automaker argues that the sound generated by the 1.6-liter V6 makes the car “hard to keep from the public,” but the truth of the matter is, there’s no spy clip of the Project One on full throttle to put this assertion to the test. Being more extreme and tech-crazy than the Ferrari F50 from the 1990s, we’re certain Mercedes-AMG isn’t bluffing in this regard.
At the end of the day, however, the Project One can’t escape the fact that six cylinders will never equal the viscerality of eight, ten, and twelve cylinders. But on the other hand, people aren’t buying the Mercedes-AMG with sound as the top priority, but the Formula 1 technology adapted for the public road.
On a final note, the exclusive character of the Project One makes the Mercedes-AMG hypercar an instant classic. 275 will be manufactured in total, each starting from €2.275 million. Oh, and by the way, the engine redlines at 11,000 rpm and needs to be rebuilt every 50,000 kilometers.
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