AFFALTERBACH: Mercedes-AMG ONE has set a new production car record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, with brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel beating his previous best time by over five seconds.
The hypercar, equipped with Formula 1 hybrid technology, completed the 20.832-kilometre track in 6:29.090 minutes, becoming the first road-legal vehicle to break the 6:30-minute barrier.
This record was achieved on Sept 23, under optimal conditions with dry track surfaces and temperatures of 15°C (air) and 20°C (asphalt).
The Mercedes-AMG ONE, powered by a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine and four electric motors, delivers a total of 782 kW/1,063hp and is capable of reaching a top speed of 352kph.
It features advanced aerodynamics, including active elements and a drag reduction system (DRS), which Engel used to maximise speed on straight sections while increasing downforce in corners.
For the record-setting lap, Engel employed the "Race Plus" mode, which lowers the vehicle and optimises aerodynamics and power delivery.
Engel, a specialist in hypercar driving, had to carefully manage the car's energy through its Energy Flow Control (EFC) system, balancing electric power usage and energy recuperation during braking.
The strategy, combined with precise driving, allowed Engel to improve on his 2022 record, even though the previous conditions were less favourable.
The AMG ONE’s hybrid powertrain is derived directly from Mercedes’ Formula 1 technology, incorporating features such as a turbocharged combustion engine, electric turbocharger, and high-performance battery with direct cooling.
This system allows the vehicle to achieve exceptional performance while maintaining efficiency. The electric motors on the front axle contribute to torque vectoring and energy recuperation, capturing up to 80% of braking energy.
The hypercar is also equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres, designed specifically for this model, and an AMG ceramic high-performance braking system to ensure maximum stability and deceleration.
The car’s battery, developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team, enables a pure electric range of 18.1km and supports an 800-volt system for reduced weight and space optimisation.
