The Mercedes-AMG One has set a new benchmark in the world of hypercars, breaking its own Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record with an astonishing time of 6 minutes and 29.090 seconds. This achievement, made official on September 23, 2024, marks the first time a production vehicle has broken the 6:30 barrier. Driven by DTM racer Maro Engel, the electrified hypercar slashed over five seconds off its previous record of 6:35.183, set back in October 2022. The feat is even more impressive when considering the challenges posed by the Nordschleife, known as the "Green Hell," where even minor variations in weather or track conditions can significantly affect lap times. The record-breaking run took place under ideal conditions, a critical factor for such a delicate performance. With an air temperature of 15°C (59°F) and an asphalt temperature of 20°C (68°F), the track was completely dry, providing optimal grip for Engel as he unleashed the full potential of the AMG One's Formula 1-derived hybrid technology. Engel noted that conditions during the 2022 lap were not ideal, with some sections of the track still damp, making the new record even more significant. “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 said, thanking the Mercedes-AMG team for their collaboration and trust in him. F1 Hybrid Tech Powers AMG One to Record-Breaking LapThe Mercedes-AMG One brings Formula 1 hybrid-drive technology to the road for the first time, combining a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine with four electric motors. This intricate powertrain delivers an astounding 1,049 horsepower, capped at a top speed of 352 km/h. The vehicle's construction and design echo its motorsport origins, from the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis to its active aerodynamics and advanced suspension. In some ways, the AMG One surpasses even Formula 1 cars in terms of complexity, featuring an all-wheel-drive system powered by a hybrid-driven rear axle and electric motors on the front wheels. To achieve this record-breaking feat, Maro Engel had to draw on all of his racing experience and leverage the cutting-edge technology packed into the Mercedes-AMG One. Like Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Engel faced the challenge of optimizing the car's hybrid power system over the Nürburgring’s grueling 20.832-kilometre circuit. The hypercar’s Energy Flow Control (EFC) system, a direct result of F1-derived engineering, played a critical role in managing the balance between the combustion engine and electric motors. Engel utilized techniques such as "lift and coast" to recuperate energy during braking, storing power in the batteries for the more demanding sections of the track. This allowed the AMG One to maintain peak performance throughout the record attempt. For this record-setting run, Engel selected the "Race Plus" driving mode, specifically designed for high-speed track performance. This mode maximizes the car’s aerodynamics, lowering the front and rear axles while stiffening the chassis to enhance handling. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), another trick borrowed from F1, was key to achieving top speeds on the straights, retracting the front wing louvers, and adjusting the two-stage rear wing to reduce drag. Engel, having gained valuable insights from his previous record attempt and simulator sessions, was able to operate the DRS more effectively, unlocking even more potential from the hypercar. The AMG One’s performance was also enhanced by its Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires, specially developed for this model to provide maximum grip and control. Additionally, the car’s ceramic high-performance braking system ensured reliable deceleration, a vital factor on a track as challenging as the Nürburgring. Will Anyone Challenge AMG’s Nürburgring Record?As Mercedes-AMG basks in the glory of its record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring, the automotive world watches to see if any other hypercar maker will dare to challenge its supremacy at the legendary track. Aston Martin’s Valkyrie, which has been in production since late 2021, has yet to make an official attempt at the Green Hell, leaving fans wondering when — or if — it will take a shot at the AMG One’s crown. Despite its prowess on the track, the AMG One remains a rarity in the hypercar world, with only 275 units slated for production, each carrying a hefty price tag of 2.275 million euros (around $2.5 million). While many US buyers secured their build slots, they faced a unique hurdle: the AMG One’s F1-derived engine couldn’t be certified for sale in the US without a significant loss in performance. As a result, the hypercar isn’t available for direct purchase stateside, leaving American enthusiasts in a bind. However, there is a workaround for dedicated collectors. The US government’s “Show or Display” rule allows certain cars with historical or technological significance to be imported privately, albeit with restrictions. Under this rule, the AMG One could find its way to the US, though owners would be limited to driving no more than 2,500 miles per year. For those who can afford the steep price and the limitations, this rule offers a rare chance to experience the cutting-edge hybrid technology that has made this hypercar a track legend. Source: Mercedes-Benz
