Mercedes-AMG teases 745kW-plus hypercar
Mercedes-AMG hypercar will be powered by F1-derived engine.
Mercedes-AMG is pushing new performance boundaries with more news seeping out of the Detroit motor show about its highly-anticipated hybrid hypercar.
It has released a second teaser image of its unnamed hypercar, this time showing a detail of the rear view, and confirmed when customers take delivery next year, the Mercedes-AMG will be powered by a Formula One-derived engine.
Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers, speaking at the North American International Auto Show overnight, said the new car will deliver huge performance.
“It’s no secret that we are working on a road-going AMG hypercar powered by our slightly modified Formula One drivetrain – a true performance hybrid,” he said.
“I know there was speculation regarding its performance data, so let me tell you, you can expect a combined power output of more than 1000 horsepower (745kW).
“Add to that an electrical range of about 25km, a front axle driven purely by our powerful and highly efficient Formula One wheel-selective electric motors, and you get one of the most fascinating two-seaters to ever hit the road.”
The scant images of the car to date indicate it will be mid-engined with the rear wheels driven by a modified version of AMG’s 1.6-litre V6 engine used in its Formula One machines.
Mercedes-AMG's production will be limited to 300 units and is codenamed Project One.
This engine – which may be increased in capacity to provide more torque or detuned by using different turbochargers – will come out of the same English factory that produces the F1 powerplants. It will be all-wheel drive with the front wheels driven by electric motors.
The latest teaser picture shows louvered engine vents, a large air scoop on the roof and a similar wide-track to the forthcoming Aston AM-RB 001, a similarly F1-inspired machine.
Other performance rivals for the Mercedes-AMG include the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari, although sales of this exotic trio have finished after limited build runs.
British publication Autocar has reported the Mercedes-AMG's production will be limited to 300 units and is codenamed Project One.
It has also said the hypercar will be priced around €2 million ($A2.87m) and that a production-ready version will be unveiled in September this year at the Frankfurt motor show, making it a triumphant homecoming for the Affalterbach-based company.
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