The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again proven itself as the fastest production car on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On September 23, 2024, Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel set a new official lap time of 6:29.090 minutes, beating his own record by more than five seconds. This makes the Mercedes-AMG ONE the first road-legal production vehicle to break the 6:30-minute barrier on the legendary 20.832-kilometre track.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Powered by a Formula 1-derived hybrid system, the AMG ONE combines a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engine with four electric motors, delivering a total output of 1063 hp. This powertrain allows the hypercar to reach a top speed of 352 km/h. The car’s hybrid drive technology, originally developed for Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1™ team, played a critical role in the record-breaking performance. Engel had to expertly manage the car’s energy flow, strategically using the car’s Energy Flow Control (EFC) system to optimize energy recuperation during braking phases and ensure enough power was available throughout the lap.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Maro Engel said, “Two years ago, the conditions weren’t ideal, and we knew the car had more to give. Today, we pushed the limits of the AMG ONE, and I’m honored to have driven this record lap with such a groundbreaking vehicle.”
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
Achieving this new lap record required precise preparation and perfect track conditions. On the record day, the Nordschleife was dry, with air and asphalt temperatures of 15°C and 20°C, respectively, providing ideal grip. Engel set the record on his third timed lap of the day, demonstrating the hypercar’s full capabilities under optimal conditions.
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said, “We’ve held the record for nearly two years, but at AMG, we always strive to push boundaries. This new lap time is a testament to the spirit of our team and the expertise behind the AMG ONE.”
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
For the record-setting lap, the Mercedes-AMG ONE was configured with maximum camber values and ran in its “Race Plus” driving mode, designed for track performance. In this mode, the car’s active aerodynamics are fully optimized, lowering the front axle by 37 mm and the rear axle by 30 mm. This setup enhances downforce, while the Drag Reduction System (DRS) retracts aerodynamic elements at higher speeds to reduce drag on fast straights, helping Engel push the car to its limits.
The AMG ONE’s active aerodynamics system also proved vital in the record attempt, with Engel making better use of DRS compared to his previous record drive. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specifically developed for the AMG ONE, further aided in delivering the grip needed for such a demanding track.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
The heart of the AMG ONE is its Formula 1™-derived E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive system, developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains. The system includes a highly efficient 1.6-liter V6 hybrid petrol engine combined with four electric motors. Two of these motors power the front wheels, enabling torque vectoring and allowing precise control of individual wheel power delivery.
The engine revs up to 11,000 rpm and is paired with a high-tech turbocharger that improves throttle response, a crucial advantage on the Nürburgring’s long and varied course. The electric turbocharger, powered by a 90 kW motor, allows instant power delivery by maintaining boost pressure even when the driver lifts off the throttle.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
The AMG ONE is equipped with a lithium-ion battery featuring direct cooling technology derived from Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1™ racing cars. This system ensures optimal battery performance, even under the extreme conditions of a Nürburgring lap. The battery stores energy recuperated from braking and is used to power the front axle motors and extend the car’s electric range. Under normal driving conditions, the AMG ONE can recover up to 80% of braking energy, contributing to its remarkable efficiency.
The high-voltage battery operates at 800 volts, significantly reducing cable weight and optimizing the car’s power-to-weight ratio. This setup not only enables the AMG ONE’s immense performance but also ensures it meets strict emissions regulations.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the first road car to directly transfer the latest Formula 1 hybrid technology directly into a production vehicle. With its carbon monocoque chassis, active aerodynamics, and race-tuned suspension, it provides an experience that rivals even the highest-performing track cars. In some respects, the AMG ONE offers more advanced technology than a Formula 1 car, particularly with its fully variable all-wheel drive system that combines a hybrid-driven rear axle with an electrically powered front axle.
Photo: Mercedes-AMG
For customers of the AMG ONE, many of the features that contributed to the record-setting performance—such as the driving modes, tire technology, and braking systems—are standard on their vehicles, providing a taste of what it’s like to drive a car that conquered the world’s most demanding racetrack.
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With its unmatched performance, advanced hybrid technology, and Formula 1 DNA, the Mercedes-AMG ONE remains the undisputed king of production cars on the Nürburgring, holding a record that sets a new benchmark for the automotive world. The only question now is whether a new challenger will appear or Mercedes-AMG will hold on to the record. Only time will tell.
