The hypercar segment is starting to get exciting
Unveiled ahead of its public display at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-AMG Project One has the goal of bringing Formula 1 technology to the road. As expected, the high-performance hybrid produces over 1,000 horsepower and has a top speed of at least 217 mph (350 km/h). According to Mercedes-AMG, the powertrain comes directly from Formula 1 with a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine combined with four electric motors. The mid-engine setup is capable of reaching speeds of 11,000 rpm, which is currently unique for a production, road-going car.
The front axle is purely electrically driven, with two 120-kW electric motors. Although it likely doesn?t appeal to anyone purchasing the Project One, the hypercar will be capable of travelling up to 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) on electric power alone. The entire powertrain is paired to an AMG eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior styling is extreme, as expected from a hypercar. The roof features an air intake derived from Formula 1, and like race cars, the doors open forwards and upwards. The Project One gets exclusive 10-spoke, forged aluminum wheels with center lock. Up front at 19×10-inch wheels wrapped with 235/35/19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, while the rear gets much wider and larger 20×12-inch wheels with 335/30/20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The German automaker said the tires are exclusively developed for the hypercar.
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