Mercedes-AMG has revealed the powertrain and
underpinnings of the Project One hybrid hypercar at the Nurburgring 24 Hours,
offering the world its first taste of the radical performance car.
Sitting at the heart of the Project One
is a Formula 1-derived 1.6-liter V6 engine that uses various components used in
recent F1 seasons. Coupled to the V6 is a turbocharger that is joined by an
electric motor designed to ensure the turbo can instantly provide maximum boost
whenever needed.
The Project One also uses two electric motors to
drive the front wheels and a third motor connected to the crankshaft that
provides extra grunt to the rear. It is reported that power for the combustion
engine will sit at around 730 hp, combined power will easily exceed 1,000 hp
and that a thermal efficiency of 43 per cent has been achieved.
Mercedes says the F1 engine revs to 11,000 rpm, a
fair bit less than the 14,500 rpm of current F1 cars but in a class of its own
for production cars. Compared to an F1 car, idle speed has been reduced from
4,000 rpm to 2,000 rpm and each engine will require a full rebuild after 50,000
km.
The hybrid hypercar will use advanced
multi-link suspension front and rear and has a large carbon fiber roof scoop to
cool the powertrain. Just 275 examples
are bound for the production line, each priced at 2.25 million euro excluding
tax. The car will be sold solely in left-hand drive and be unveiled at the
Frankfurt Motor Show.
){kind=link}