After weeks and weeks of endless teasing and anticipation, we finally get a real-good look at the Mercedes-AMG Project one hypercar unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. And do trust us, it is absolutely mind-boggling!
The Project ONE is going to be that Formula-1 car that is undoubtedly going to rule the streets. It’s going to blast past through twisty roads and take you to a whole new dimension. This is what your senses feel and your mind reciprocates when you first look at this menacing hypercar. From whichever angle you look at it, you know that Mercedes-AMG has done a remarkable job in capturing the essence of a F1-racer and transplanted that into the DNA of the Project ONE.
Let’s have a quick look at some facts. The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, as believed by some, is not just based on the design dynamics of the Mercedes Formula one car, but it is actually built on the very foundations of it. It carries the same 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine that was used by Lewis Hamilton back in 2015, that also helped him in clinching his third formula one world championship title. Talking about the power developed, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE’s updated hybrid powertrain will be able to churn out more than 1,000 bhp, helping it exceed 350 kmph (217 mph) and achieve a 0-200 kmph sprint time in under six seconds. To put it into perspective, the Bugatti Chiron manages a 0-200 kmph sprint time of 6.5 seconds. All This is made possible by not just the already powerful Mercedes engine, but with the aid that it receives with two 160 bhp electric motors holding the potential to run at 50,000 rpm and drive the front wheels independently. There are also two more similar electric motors, one of which is present in the turbocharger itself to eliminate turbo lag, and the other which is directly connected to the crankshaft, allowing the Project ONE to happily rev up to 11,000 rpm.
All this insane level of power and torque is efficiently managed by the 8-speed automated manual gearbox whose seamless shifts are controlled by the paddle shifters on the F1-style steering wheel. Since the Project ONE is meant to be taken out in the streets, even though it seems to be sparsely equipped, it does sport some essential creature comforts such as carbon-bucket seats, two ten-inch screens for data interpretation, infotainment integration, and possible telemetry readouts.
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a masterpiece in automotive design. Those flowing curves all along the contours of its body, the integrated rear-wing that also acts as an airbrake, the shark fin protruding from the back of the roofline, add nothing but panache to the Project ONE’s appearance. The Project ONE has truly struck the right balance between the extravagant design language you see in the Lamborghinis and the organic lines you get to witness in the Alfa Romeos.
The Project ONE then is truly loaded with everything a true racing-enthusiast would ever want, and a true formula one fan at that. All this though, comes with a massive price tag of $2.72 million, with only 275 units to be ever built for the entire world, which without a doubt will be sold out with a blink of an eye.
