The Mercedes-AMG ONE has once again cemented its status as the king of the Nürburgring, shattering its own previous record for production vehicles. Driven by Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM ace Maro Engel, the hypercar achieved an astonishing lap time of 6:29.090 minutes on the demanding 12.944-mile (20.832-kilometer) Nordschleife track. This remarkable feat not only betters its own record by over five seconds but also marks the Mercedes-AMG ONE as the first street-legal production car to ever break the elusive 6:30 minute barrier on the “Green Hell.” This achievement firmly establishes the AMG ONE as the undisputed leader in the hypercar class, showcasing its unparalleled performance and Formula 1™ derived technology.
“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. He further emphasized, “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 and pride in achieving this milestone. “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,” Engel explained. “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.”
Perfect Conditions for a Record-Breaking Run
Achieving such a demanding target required meticulous preparation and, crucially, ideal track conditions. On September 23, 2024, at precisely 6:56 p.m., during his third timed lap, Maro Engel seized the moment and etched his name, and the AMG ONE’s, further into Nürburgring history. The atmospheric conditions were near perfect, with an air temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit and an asphalt temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The legendary Nordschleife was completely dry, providing optimum grip for the record attempt.
Just like Formula 1™ drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during race weekends, Engel had to expertly manage the AMG ONE’s sophisticated hybrid energy deployment. On a track as lengthy and challenging as the Nordschleife, energy management becomes a critical factor. Engel masterfully utilized the AMG ONE’s four-stage Energy Flow Control (EFC) system, strategically employing “lift and coast” techniques – deliberately easing off the accelerator slightly earlier than usual in certain sections – to maximize energy recuperation during braking phases. Extensive simulator testing in Affalterbach and on-track preparation runs on the Nordschleife provided the essential data and insights that allowed the team and driver to optimize their strategy for this record-breaking lap.
To ensure the record’s legitimacy, TÜV Rheinland rigorously tested and documented the vehicle to confirm it was in standard production condition, adhering to the stringent regulations set by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co KG. A notary public was also present to officially verify the correct execution of the record run.
Formula 1™ Technology Unleashed on the Road
The Mercedes-AMG ONE is not merely a hypercar; it represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, directly translating Formula 1™ hybrid drive technology from the racetrack to public roads for the very first time. Its groundbreaking E PERFORMANCE hybrid system, featuring a combustion engine and four electric motors, delivers a combined output of a staggering 1,049 hp (782 kW). While its top speed is electronically limited to 218 mph (352 km/h), the AMG ONE is about far more than just straight-line speed. It’s a symphony of motorsport technologies, including a lightweight carbon monocoque, a carbon fiber body, a stressed engine/transmission unit, and advanced active aerodynamics, all underpinned by a sophisticated pushrod chassis.
In many aspects, the two-seater Mercedes-AMG ONE surpasses even a Formula 1™ car in its technological complexity. It features fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, incorporating a hybrid-driven rear axle and an electrically driven front axle with torque vectoring. For the record-breaking run, the team optimized the car’s setup by selecting the maximum camber values within the factory delivery tolerance. Engel then engaged the “Race Plus” drive program, which unleashes the car’s maximum aerodynamic potential through active elements, tightens the chassis tuning, 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 power of all motors.
The Drag Reduction System (DRS), activated via a steering wheel button, played a crucial role in optimizing speed and downforce. The DRS retracts the louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing, reducing drag for higher speeds on fast sections of the track. In tighter corners, these aero elements automatically extend again at lightning speed, generating increased downforce for enhanced grip and agility. Engel’s refined operation of the DRS system, compared to his previous record attempt, unlocked even greater potential from the AMG hypercar. Crucially, all these adjustable parameters are also available to Mercedes-AMG ONE customers, allowing for personalized performance optimization.
The AMG ONE is equipped as standard with bespoke MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, co-developed with Michelin specifically for this hypercar. Complementing the exceptional performance is the standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, ensuring immense stopping power and stability even under extreme conditions.
E PERFORMANCE Hybrid Drive: A Formula 1™ Heart
At the heart of the Mercedes-AMG ONE lies its revolutionary E PERFORMANCE hybrid drive, a direct descendant of Formula 1™ powertrains. Developed in close collaboration with the experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, UK, it is a highly integrated and intelligently networked system. It comprises a hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine working in concert with a total of four electric motors. One electric motor is integrated into the turbocharger itself, another is mounted directly on the combustion engine linked to the crankshaft, and the remaining two drive the front wheels.
The 1.6-liter V6 hybrid gasoline engine with electrically assisted single-turbocharging shares its fundamental technology with current Formula 1™ power units. Features like four overhead camshafts driven by spur gears and pneumatic valve springs (replacing mechanical springs for higher engine speeds) are testament to its racing pedigree. The mid-mounted engine, positioned in front of the rear axle, can rev up to a staggering 11,000 rpm, though it is deliberately kept below the F1 rev limit for enhanced durability and compatibility with commercially available super plus gasoline.
Electric Turbocharging: Instantaneous Response
Boosting this high-revving engine is a cutting-edge turbocharger. The exhaust gas turbine and compressor turbine are separated and connected by a shaft, allowing for a lower turbocharger installation. Critically, a ~121-hp (90-kW) electric motor is mounted on this shaft. This electronically controlled motor directly drives the turbocharger shaft, accelerating the compressor wheel to speeds up to 100,000 rpm before exhaust gas flow takes over. In Formula 1™ terminology, this unit is known as MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit Heat).
This electric turbocharging technology dramatically improves engine response, providing near-instantaneous power delivery from idle speed across the entire rev range. The 1.6-liter V6 engine reacts with incredible immediacy to accelerator pedal inputs, resulting in an exceptionally dynamic driving experience. Furthermore, the electrified turbocharger enhances torque at lower engine speeds, boosting agility and acceleration. Even when the driver lifts off the accelerator or brakes, the system maintains boost pressure, ensuring continuous responsiveness.
Turbocharger as a Generator: Energy Recuperation
The electric exhaust gas turbocharger in the Mercedes-AMG ONE also serves an additional purpose: energy generation. It recovers surplus energy from the exhaust gas flow and converts it into electrical energy. This energy is then either stored in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery or fed to the electric front axle motors or the electric motor (MGU-K = Motor Generator Unit Kinetic) connected to the combustion engine. The MGU-K, rated at 161 hp (120 kW), is directly coupled to the combustion engine’s crankshaft via a spur gear system – another technology honed for maximum efficiency and performance in Formula 1™.
The combination of turbocharging and direct injection with spray-guided combustion not only yields high power output but also enhances thermodynamic efficiency, reducing both fuel consumption and exhaust 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 emissions regulations.
Electrically Driven Front Axle: Fully Variable All-Wheel Drive
The two 161-hp (120-kW) electric motors powering the front axle can reach rotor speeds of up to 50,000 rpm. Each motor is connected to a front wheel via a reduction gear. This purely electrically driven front axle enables wheel-selective torque distribution (“torque vectoring”), resulting in exceptional driving dynamics, particularly in cornering. Moreover, these electric motors facilitate optimal recuperation of braking energy – up to 80 percent in typical daily driving. This recovered energy is stored in the battery and can be used to extend the electric driving range or to provide additional drive power. Each electric motor is managed by its own dedicated power electronics, located close to the motors in the vehicle’s floor assembly.
High Performance Battery: Formula 1™ Energy Storage
The lithium-ion energy storage system in the AMG ONE is another bespoke Mercedes-AMG development. Its core technology has been proven in the extreme conditions of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Formula 1™ hybrid race cars. The AMG High Performance Battery is engineered to deliver high power output repeatedly with minimal weight, enhancing overall vehicle performance. It also features rapid energy discharge and high power density. This means drivers can access full power on uphill stretches and benefit from strong recuperation when driving downhill.
The cell arrangement and cell cooling within the battery mirror those of the Mercedes‑AMG Formula 1™ race car, although the Mercedes-AMG ONE utilizes a significantly larger number of cells for everyday usability. With a capacity of 8.4 kWh, the battery provides a purely electric range of 11.2 miles (18.1 kilometers). Charging is handled 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, which supports and charges the 12-volt onboard electrical system, are compactly housed in the vehicle floor behind the front axle.
Innovative Direct Cooling: Maintaining Optimal Battery Temperature
A key innovation underpinning the battery’s high performance is its direct cooling system. A high-tech coolant circulates around every single cell, cooling them individually. Maintaining a defined battery temperature is crucial for optimal power delivery; excessive heat or cold can significantly reduce power output or even cause damage. Consistent battery temperature is therefore paramount for performance, longevity, and safety.
The coolant, driven by a high-performance electric pump, flows from top to bottom through the entire battery pack, passing each cell and also circulating through a heat exchanger directly attached to the battery. This system ensures even heat distribution throughout the battery, maintaining a consistent, optimal operating temperature window of approximately 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) – regardless of charging or discharging cycles. While high-speed driving may cause the average temperature to rise, the protection mechanisms are designed to allow maximum performance while subsequently lowering the temperature through direct cooling.
This direct cooling technology is essential for utilizing cells with extremely high power density. It also contributes to the battery system’s light weight and compact size. The lightweight design is further enhanced by a material-saving busbar concept and a robust yet lightweight aluminum housing that provides exceptional crash protection and safety. Another advanced feature is the high voltage of the drive system, operating at 800 volts instead of the more common 400 volts. This higher voltage allows for significantly reduced cable diameters, saving space and weight.
Intelligent Operating Strategies: Optimized Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes-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, which emulates a Formula 1™ qualifying setting for maximum lap times. Despite the system’s immense complexity, the driver is consistently provided with the optimal balance of performance and efficiency, adapting seamlessly to the prevailing driving demands.
The Mercedes-AMG ONE’s latest Nürburgring record is more than just a number; it’s a testament to relentless engineering innovation and a bold statement about the future of hypercar performance. It’s a fusion of Formula 1™ technology and road-going usability, proving that the boundaries of automotive performance are constantly being pushed by Mercedes-AMG.
