Mercedes-AMG has broken its lengthy silence over the delayed Project One hypercar programme by releasing new images and details of the car’s advanced testing phase. The model will simply use the ‘One’ name for production.

• The Mercedes-AMG One will use a Formula One-derive 1.6-litre V6, making over 1,000hp.
• Its static testing has begun at the brand’s Immendingen proving ground.
• Only 275 units of the Mercedes-AMG One will be produced.

What will Mercedes-AMG One be powered by?

The hypercar will use a hybridised 1.6-litre, V6 adapted from Mercedes-AMG’s championship-winning 2017 Formula 1 car, producing over 1,000hp. The One hypercar will also come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.

When was the Mercedes-AMG One due?

The car was originally due back in early 2019, but it is understood that the date was pushed back due engineering struggles, which included getting the complex powertrain to comply with WLTP emissions standards using a petrol particulate filter but without compromising on performance.

Problems also occurred with the F1-based engine’s idle speed, which is around 5,000rpm in race spec. Engineers were tasked with making the unit run properly at an idle speed of around 1,200rpm, which was described as a “tremendous challenge.”

How far along the testing process is the new Mercedes-AMG hypercar?

Testing has now moved beyond static processes and is focused on test tracks. The company is using its Immendingen proving ground with the objective of “reaching a new dimension of driving dynamics and performance for a road-going vehicle.”

Development targets include the engine delivering “perfectly in terms of everyday performance” and being able to operate solely in all-electric mode for up to 26km. It is not yet clear if the car will be able to meet the concept’s performance claims of a 350kph top speed and going 0 to 200kph in 6.0sec.

Testing will soon move to the Nürburgring, where the firm is likely to attempt some sort of lap record once tuning is complete.

How much does the Mercedes-AMG One differ from the concept?

The hypercar has retained much of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG Project One concept car’s design. Minor revisions to aerodynamic functions are visible and they could change again before production, with track testing focused on calibrating the active aero components such as the louvres, air outlets in the front wings and rear spoiler. Further details of the One, including its production-spec unveiling, are yet to be released.

How many Mercedes-AMG One units will be built and when will deliveries start?

Mercedes-AMG will produce just 275 examples of the One hypercar, and all have now been sold for a price of €2.27 million (approx. Rs 20.27 crore).

Customers have been told to expect their cars to be delivered in international markets “throughout” 2021.

What has Mercedes-AMG launched in India recently?

The performance division of the German carmaker launched the GT 4-Door Coupé earlier this year at the 2020 Auto Expo, priced from Rs 2.42 crore. The carmaker has also recently launched the AMG C63 Coupe and the updated GT R in India, which are priced from Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 2.48 crore, respectively.