The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again etched its name into automotive history, reclaiming and extending its reign as the fastest street-legal production car to conquer the infamous Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel, behind the wheel of the groundbreaking Mercedes Benz Amg One, achieved a staggering lap time of 6:29.090 minutes over the 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) track. This remarkable feat not only surpasses the AMG ONE’s previous record but also shatters the elusive 6:30-minute barrier, a benchmark previously untouched by any road-legal vehicle.
This new record solidifies the mercedes benz amg one‘s position as the undisputed king of the Nürburgring amongst production cars, further emphasizing its unique blend of Formula 1™ hybrid technology and road-going usability. It stands as the first and only series production hybrid hypercar to have tamed the Green Hell in under 6 minutes and 30 seconds, reinforcing its leadership in the fiercely competitive super-sports-car class.
“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 to the maximum or even push them a little further. That’s why we have once again demonstrated what is possible with the unique AMG ONE,” stated Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions. “The entire team has been rewarded for its efforts and commitment. I’m proud of this determined team effort and of this fantastic record time. Once again, we’ve impressively demonstrated the spirit and expertise of AMG.”
Maro Engel himself expressed his exhilaration, “Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal, and some sections of the track were still a little damp. We knew we could do more, and we wanted to show that. Today we were able to demonstrate the maximum potential of the AMG ONE. Many thanks to the whole team from Affalterbach for the trust they’ve placed in me. It was a great pleasure and honor to be able to drive this record lap with such a unique car.”
The Record-Breaking Nürburgring Lap in the Mercedes-AMG ONE
Achieving this ambitious goal required meticulous planning and perfect execution. The Mercedes-AMG team understood that ideal track conditions were paramount to surpass the 6:30-minute target. On September 23, 2024, at precisely 6:56 p.m., during his third timed lap, Maro Engel delivered the record-breaking run in the mercedes benz amg one. The Nürburgring-Nordschleife, renowned for its challenging nature, presented optimal conditions with air temperatures at 59 degrees Fahrenheit and asphalt at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring exceptional grip throughout the lap.
Drawing parallels to Formula 1™ race weekends, Engel strategically managed the hybrid drive’s electric energy deployment. On a track as extensive as the Nordschleife, efficient energy management is crucial. Engel expertly utilized the mercedes benz amg one‘s sophisticated four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system. This involved employing “lift and coast” techniques in specific sections, optimizing energy recuperation during braking phases. Extensive preparation through simulator testing in Affalterbach and on-track practice runs provided the team and Engel with the critical data needed to fine-tune their approach for the record attempt.
To ensure the record’s legitimacy, TÜV Rheinland meticulously inspected and certified the mercedes benz amg one to be in standard production condition, adhering to the stringent regulations set by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG. Furthermore, a notary public was present to officially verify the record drive, confirming its accuracy and validity.
Formula 1™ Technology Unleashed: The Heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE
The mercedes benz amg one is more than just a hypercar; it represents a groundbreaking fusion of Formula 1™ powertrain technology with the demands of a road-legal vehicle. At its core lies an E PERFORMANCE hybrid system delivering a combined output of 1,049 hp (782 kW) from a combustion engine and four electric motors. This potent combination propels the mercedes benz amg one to a top speed of 218 mph (352 km/h).
Beyond sheer power, the mercedes benz amg one incorporates a suite of motorsport-derived technologies. These include a lightweight carbon monocoque chassis, a carbon fiber body, the engine and transmission unit acting as stressed members, advanced active aerodynamics, and a sophisticated pushrod suspension system. In many respects, the mercedes benz amg one surpasses even Formula 1™ cars in its technological complexity, boasting features like the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This system features a hybrid-driven rear axle and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring, providing unparalleled handling and control.
For the record-setting drive, the mercedes benz amg one was meticulously configured. Maximum camber settings within factory tolerances were selected, and Maro Engel opted for the “Race Plus” drive program. This mode activates the most aggressive aerodynamic settings, stiffens the chassis, lowers the vehicle by 1.5 inches (37 mm) at the front and 1.2 inches (30 mm) at the rear, and unleashes the full potential of all powertrains. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), activated via a steering wheel button, further optimized performance on high-speed sections by retracting louvers on the front fenders and adjusting the two-stage rear wing to minimize drag. In corners, the aero elements rapidly redeploy, maximizing downforce for enhanced grip. Engel’s refined operation of the DRS, compared to his previous record run, played a key role in achieving the improved lap time.
Owners of the mercedes benz amg one benefit from the same level of adjustability and performance optimization. The car is equipped as standard with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, co-developed with Michelin specifically for the mercedes benz amg one. These tires, along with the standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, ensure exceptional stopping power and stability, crucial for tackling the demanding Nürburgring.
E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive: A Deep Dive into Formula 1™ Technology
The heart of the mercedes benz amg one, its E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive, is a direct descendant of Formula 1™ technology, born from close collaboration with Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth. This highly integrated system comprises a hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine working in concert with four electric motors. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger, another is directly mounted to the combustion engine and connected to the crankshaft, and the remaining two drive the front wheels.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine, featuring electrically assisted single-turbocharging, shares its technological DNA with current Formula 1™ power units. It utilizes four overhead camshafts driven by spur gears and pneumatic valve springs to achieve incredibly high engine speeds, reaching up to 11,000 rpm. While capable of these speeds, for enhanced durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline, the engine operates slightly below the F1 rev limit.
Electric Turbocharging: Lightning-Fast Response
A key innovation in the mercedes benz amg one‘s powertrain is its high-tech turbocharger. The exhaust gas and compressor turbines are separated and connected by a shaft, allowing for a lower turbocharger mounting position. Crucially, a 121-hp (90-kW) electric motor is positioned on this shaft. This electronically controlled motor directly drives the turbocharger shaft, pre-spooling the compressor wheel up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas takes over. This Formula 1™ derived technology, known as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat), dramatically improves throttle response, virtually eliminating turbo lag across the entire rpm range. The 1.6-liter V6 engine reacts instantaneously to driver input, resulting in a remarkably dynamic driving experience. Furthermore, the electric turbocharger boosts torque at lower engine speeds, enhancing agility and acceleration. Even when the driver lifts off the throttle or brakes, boost pressure is maintained, ensuring continuous responsiveness.
Turbocharger as a Generator: Energy Recuperation
The electric exhaust gas turbocharger in the mercedes benz amg one serves a dual purpose: it also functions as a generator. It recovers surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow and converts it into electrical energy. This energy is either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or fed to the electric front axle motors or the MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) – the electric motor connected to the combustion engine’s crankshaft. The MGU-K, producing 161 hp (120 kW), is another Formula 1™ derived technology that maximizes efficiency and performance.
The combination of turbocharging and direct injection with spray-guided combustion not only yields high power output but also significantly improves thermodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The high-performance six-cylinder engine employs two injection systems: direct injection delivering fuel into the combustion chambers at pressures up to 3,916 psi (270 bar) and additional port injection to achieve the engine’s high specific power output while meeting stringent emission standards.
Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive and Electrically Driven Front Axle
The mercedes benz amg one‘s front axle is driven by two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors, each capable of reaching rotor speeds up to 50,000 rpm and connected to the front wheels via reduction gears. This purely electric front axle features wheel-selective drive, enabling individual torque distribution (“torque vectoring”) for exceptional driving dynamics. Moreover, these electric motors facilitate optimal braking energy recuperation – up to 80 percent in everyday driving. This recovered energy is stored in the battery, extending electric range or boosting drive performance. Each electric motor is controlled by its own dedicated power electronics, located near the motors in the vehicle floor.
High-Performance Battery: Formula 1™ Proven
The lithium-ion energy storage system in the mercedes benz amg one is a bespoke Mercedes‑AMG development, drawing heavily on technology proven in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid race cars. The AMG High Performance Battery prioritizes high power output, readily available in rapid succession, combined with a lightweight design to enhance overall performance. It also features rapid energy discharge and high power density. This allows drivers to access full power on demand, such as during uphill climbs, while benefiting from strong recuperation when driving downhill.
The battery cell arrangement and cooling system mirror those in Mercedes‑AMG Formula 1™ cars. However, for road use, the mercedes benz amg one utilizes a significantly larger number of cells. With a capacity of 8.4 kWh, the battery provides a purely electric range of 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometers). Charging is facilitated by an integrated 3.7-kW AC on-board charger. The battery can also be replenished through recuperation or by the combustion engine. The lithium-ion, high-voltage battery and the DC/DC converter are compactly housed in the vehicle floor behind the front axle.
Innovative Direct Cooling: Maintaining Battery Performance
The high performance of the battery in the mercedes benz amg one is underpinned by an innovative direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around each individual cell, ensuring precise temperature management. Maintaining an optimal battery temperature is crucial for consistent power delivery, as excessively cold or hot temperatures can significantly reduce performance or necessitate regulation to prevent damage.
The coolant, circulated by a high-performance electric pump, flows through the entire battery pack, passing each cell and a heat exchanger directly attached to the battery. This system ensures uniform heat distribution, maintaining the battery within an optimal operating temperature window of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of charging or discharging cycles. While high-speed driving may elevate temperatures, the protection mechanisms are engineered to prioritize maximum battery performance, with direct cooling subsequently lowering the temperature.
Direct cooling is essential for utilizing high power density cells and contributes to the battery system’s light and compact design. The lightweight construction is further enhanced by a material-saving busbar concept and a lightweight yet robust aluminum housing, ensuring exceptional safety. The high voltage of the drive system, operating at 800 volts instead of the typical 400 volts, further contributes to weight and space savings by allowing for smaller cable diameters.
Intelligent Operating Strategies: Optimizing Performance and Efficiency
The mercedes benz amg one‘s High Performance Plug-in Hybrid Drive System employs a suite of intelligent operating strategies tailored to diverse driving scenarios. Drive programs range from purely electric operation to the highly dynamic “Strat 2” mode, akin to Formula 1™ qualifying settings, designed for achieving the fastest possible lap times. Despite the system’s complexity, the mercedes benz amg one consistently delivers the optimal balance of performance and efficiency, adapting to the driver’s demands.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE’s latest Nürburgring record is a powerful testament to its engineering brilliance and unwavering commitment to pushing performance boundaries. It firmly establishes the mercedes benz amg one not just as a hypercar, but as a pinnacle of automotive innovation, bringing the thrill of Formula 1™ to the road.
