On September 23, 2024, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife witnessed a historic feat as Maro Engel, behind the wheel of the Mercedes-AMG ONE, shattered his own previous record. Engel beat his best time by over five seconds, setting a new production vehicle lap record with an astonishing time of 6:29.090 minutes on the world-renowned 20.832-kilometre track. The achievement firmly establishes the Mercedes-AMG ONE as the first road car to break the coveted 6:30-minute barrier, a testament to the unparalleled hybrid technology it brings from the world of Formula 1™ to the road.
Formula 1™ Hybrid Technology for the Road
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is more than just a hypercar; it’s a fusion of cutting-edge Formula 1™ technology and the artistry of high-performance automotive engineering. Powered by a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine, complemented by four electric motors, the AMG ONE delivers a staggering 782 kW (1,063 hp). Its E PERFORMANCE hybrid system is a marvel, borrowing directly from Mercedes’ dominance in Formula 1™, blending a combustion engine with electric motors to create an innovative propulsion system that maximizes both performance and efficiency.
For the record-breaking run, Engel leveraged the full spectrum of the car’s hybrid capabilities, using its four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system. By mastering energy recuperation and deploying the “lift and coast” technique—strategically easing off the accelerator to recharge the batteries during braking—he was able to extract every ounce of potential from the vehicle’s intricate powertrain. This sophisticated system allowed the car to sustain its electric power across the track’s demanding 20-kilometre layout, optimizing performance while remaining road-legal.
The Record-Breaking Run
To push the limits, Mercedes-AMG meticulously prepared for the perfect conditions. On the day of the record run, temperatures hovered around 15 degrees Celsius with dry asphalt at 20 degrees Celsius, offering ideal grip on the legendary Nordschleife. Maro Engel’s skill, combined with the AMG ONE’s advanced aerodynamics and hybrid prowess, culminated in a flawless third lap where he set the new record.
This remarkable achievement wasn’t just a matter of raw power. Engel deployed the “Race Plus” driving mode, which maximized aerodynamics by lowering the car by 37mm at the front and 30mm at the rear, while the Drag Reduction System (DRS) minimized air resistance on high-speed straights. This meticulous control of aerodynamics was a key factor in beating the car’s previous record. The retractable front louvres and two-stage rear wing responded instantaneously to track conditions, optimizing both downforce and speed.
AMG ONE: The Pinnacle of Hybrid Engineering
The AMG ONE’s hybrid system extends far beyond traditional boundaries. Its electric turbocharger, inspired by Formula 1™ technology, boosts the vehicle’s response time, enabling rapid acceleration and continuous power delivery, even in lower rev ranges. The high-revving V6 engine, paired with the intelligent hybrid system, provides an unmatched driving experience that combines speed with efficiency. The electric turbo not only enhances performance but also acts as a generator, feeding energy back into the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or the front axle motors.
Speaking of the battery, Mercedes-AMG’s High Performance Battery technology—borrowed directly from their Formula 1™ cars—sets a new benchmark for hybrid hypercars. With its innovative direct cooling system, the battery ensures optimum performance by maintaining an average operating temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. This advanced cooling solution allows the battery to sustain high output while remaining compact and lightweight, essential for the car’s extreme performance capabilities.
The Ultimate Road-Legal Hypercar
What truly sets the Mercedes-AMG ONE apart is its ability to translate race-track technology into a road-legal vehicle. The car’s fully variable all-wheel drive, hybrid-driven rear axle, and electrically powered front axle provide exceptional torque vectoring for dynamic handling and performance. Standard features such as the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres and AMG ceramic high-performance brakes ensure that customers can experience the same level of precision and control that Maro Engel had during his record-setting lap.
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “We’ve held the record for road vehicles for almost two years now. But at AMG, we always want to push the boundaries of what is possible. This record is a testament to our team’s spirit and expertise.”
For Maro Engel, the significance of the AMG ONE’s accomplishments was equally clear. “We knew we could do more, and today we were able to demonstrate the maximum potential of the AMG ONE,” said Engel after the record lap, highlighting the exceptional collaboration between the driver and the engineering team.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Performance
The Mercedes-AMG ONE represents the future of hypercar performance, where hybrid technology and motorsport expertise converge to create something truly extraordinary. With its Formula 1™-derived engineering and record-breaking prowess, the AMG ONE redefines what’s possible for production vehicles, setting an unprecedented standard for hybrid hypercars. As the first street-legal car to conquer the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in under 6:30 minutes, it’s clear that the Mercedes-AMG ONE is not just pushing boundaries—it’s obliterating them.
