TGR Staff - 10/03/2024
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is in a league of its own. The hypercar, which already held the title of the fastest production vehicle on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, has shattered its own record. Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel clocked in a blistering lap time of 6:29.090 minutes on the grueling 12.944-mile circuit, besting his previous record by over five seconds. This feat not only solidifies the AMG ONE’s dominance but also marks the first time a road car has broken the 6:30-minute barrier at the world’s most demanding racetrack.
With its blend of Formula 1™ technology and advanced hybrid systems, the AMG ONE is a marvel of engineering that’s as at home on the track as it is on the road — at least in theory. In reality, the record-breaking lap time was the result of meticulous preparation, ideal conditions, and precise execution. On September 23, 2024, Engel made history, taking to the track with temperatures hovering at 59 degrees Fahrenheit (air) and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (asphalt), ensuring perfect grip on the Nordschleife’s treacherous turns and long straights.
The AMG ONE’s performance pedigree is immediately evident. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a staggering 1,049 horsepower, combining a turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine derived from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1™ team with four electric motors. This complex configuration provides a level of power and agility that’s unmatched in the world of road-legal cars. The hypercar’s top speed is electronically capped at 218 mph, and it boasts a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring that ensures unparalleled control and cornering prowess.
While Engel’s driving skills were crucial to the record, the car’s sophisticated Energy Flow Control (EFC) system also played a vital role. Like a Formula 1™ driver, Engel had to carefully manage the hybrid’s electric energy over the Nordschleife’s demanding layout. By strategically recuperating energy during braking and using techniques like "lift and coast," he maximized the efficiency of the AMG ONE’s four-stage hybrid system.
“Two years ago, the conditions weren’t perfect, and we knew the AMG ONE had more to give,” said Engel. “Today, we were able to unlock its full potential. It was an honor to push this incredible machine to its limit on the world’s most challenging circuit.”
Setting a new record isn’t just about raw power; it’s about precision. The AMG ONE’s advanced aerodynamics and chassis systems were pushed to their limits during the record run. Engel utilized the car’s "Race Plus" mode, which maximizes aerodynamics by lowering the chassis by 1.5 inches at the front and 1.2 inches at the rear, while deploying active aero elements like the Drag Reduction System (DRS) — a feature straight out of Formula 1™. This system retracts the louvers on the front fenders and the upper aero element of the two-stage rear wing to minimize drag on the straights, then redeploys them instantly for maximum downforce in the corners.
The AMG ONE’s record run was independently validated by TÜV Rheinland, and a notary confirmed that the vehicle was in standard condition as specified by Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG, ensuring that this wasn’t just a one-off, stripped-down racer, but a true production car capable of delivering mind-bending performance.
This new lap time is more than just a number. It’s a statement. The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the only series-production hybrid hypercar to have tackled the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, cementing its status as a leader in the hypercar segment. It’s not just about speed, but how the car channels its Formula 1™ DNA into a street-legal package.
Mercedes-AMG’s Chairman, Michael Schiebe, sees this achievement as a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence. “We’ve held the record for almost two years now, but at AMG, we’re never satisfied. We always strive to push the limits of what’s possible,” he said. “This record is a testament to the incredible team effort and the spirit of AMG.”
The AMG ONE’s lap record was achieved on a set of specially developed MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, which come standard with the car. These tires, created in collaboration with Michelin, are designed to complement the unique characteristics of the AMG ONE, providing the perfect blend of grip and durability. The car’s high-performance ceramic braking system, also standard, ensured that Engel could decelerate from the mind-numbing speeds generated on the Nürburgring’s long straights with confidence.
But the AMG ONE is more than just a collection of high-performance components. It’s a masterclass in engineering that brings Formula 1™ technology to the road. With a carbon-fiber monocoque, pushrod suspension, and a hybrid powertrain that operates at 800 volts (instead of the usual 400 volts), it’s a glimpse into the future of high-performance motoring.
For those lucky enough to own one of the 275 units of the AMG ONE, this record lap is proof that they possess not just a hypercar, but a piece of automotive history. Engel’s record-setting drive is sure to be the talk of the motorsport world, and it’s likely to spur on other manufacturers to try and match or beat the AMG ONE’s unprecedented time.
For now, though, the Mercedes-AMG ONE stands alone as the king of the Nürburgring, the ultimate expression of what happens when Formula 1™ technology is unleashed on the open road. With its blend of race-proven tech and road-legal capabilities, the AMG ONE isn’t just fast — it’s a game-changer.
Enthusiasts and collectors will be hard-pressed to find another vehicle that embodies such a perfect fusion of track performance and road-going usability. As Maro Engel’s latest record proves, when it comes to the Nürburgring, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is in a class of its own.
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