ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS A NEW MERCEDES SUPERCAR

From the racetrack to the road, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is a supercar; the two-seater produces a total output of 782 kW (1063bhp) from one combustion engine and four electric motors, with a top speed capped at 352 km/h (219mph).

This car is right in Ferrari territory; one not for the faint hearted with rest to 100kph (62mph) coming up in under three seconds. The extremely complex development was carried out in close cooperation with the Formula 1 experts at Mercedes-AMG high performance powertrains in Brixworth and this exciting new model will also officially be seen in action for the first time in the UK, as part of the Festival of Speed at Goodwood. The unique hypercar inspires not only with its E PERFORMANCE Formula 1 hybrid drive, but also with further motorsport technology, which ranges from the carbon-fibre monocoque and carbon-fibre body to the load-bearing engine/transmission unit, active aerodynamics and the push-rod suspension. With its complex technology, the Mercedes-AMG ONE offers even more than a Formula 1 racing car in some cases and it features the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with hybrid-driven rear axle and electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring and it can also drive purely electrically. Yet again we are witnessing a small capacity power unit delivering, in this instance a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid petrol engine with electrically assisted single-turbocharging corresponds in its technology to the current Formula 1 power unit. The four overhead camshafts are driven by spur gears and to achieve high engine speeds, the mechanical valve springs have been replaced by pneumatic valve springs. The engine which is mounted in mid-engine position in front of the rear axle, revs up to 11,000 rpm. However, for longer durability and the use of commercial super plus petrol, it deliberately stays below the F1 rev limit. The high-revving power unit is boosted by a high-tech turbocharger and the exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are positioned at a distance from each other and connected by a shaft; this allows a lower installation position for the turbocharger. On the shaft is an approx. 90 kW electric motor, this drives the turbocharger shaft directly, accelerating the compressor wheel up to 100,000 rpm before the exhaust gas flow takes over. I was not surprised to learn of lightning -quick response, faster than a naturally aspirated V8 engine.

The electric exhaust gas turbocharger has yet another advantage; it uses part of the surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow to generate electrical energy as a generator. This is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or fed to the electric front axle or the electric motor on the combustion engine. The MGU-K has an output of 120 kW, is positioned directly on the combustion engine and is connected to the crankshaft via a spur gear system – another technology that ensures maximum efficiency and performance in Formula 1. Six drive programmes are a feature, from purely electric driving to race track mode

Start is silent, first by switching on the electric motors on the front axle. In parallel, the catalytic converters are preheated and the combustion engine will not start until the correct catalytic converter temperature is reached. The automated seven speed manual transmission is new and power is transmitted to the rear wheels. Tyres, front 10.0 J x 19 wheels with 285/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 tyres, which were developed exclusively and at the rear 12.0 J x 20 wheels, with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R M01 tyres in size 335/30 ZR 20. With such performance stopping capability is paramount; a special, weight-optimised AMG carbon-fibre ceramic high-performance composite brake system is employed. Experts worked closely together on the design, the body aerodynamically designed for maximum downforce and balance. There are many design features such as the doors which open diagonally forwards and upwards. Moving to the sports interior, ergonomically contoured with room for two occupants. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable and the pedal box mechanically adjustable in eleven steps so that the driver can adopt an optimal driving position and the passenger footrest is also individually adjustable. This is one car which is inspired by a Formula 1 racing car; one of the most exciting vehicles perhaps ever to be adorned by a Mercedes badge.

Ian Lynas