Mercedes-AMG Project ONE Is An Outrageous $2.53 Million 1000HP Hybrid Hypercar
Starting with the engine, the 1.6-liter unit produces 612 horsepower by itself. But roughly 600hp isn't enough for “hypercar” duty. You need more powah! So, the V6 is augmented by a total of four electric motors. Two front-mounted wheel motors add 160hp each (spinning at 50,000 RPM each), and are hooked up to their own single-speed transmission. A third 160hp eclectic motor is connected to the V6 engine's crankshaft. If that wasn't enough, a fourth electric motor is found within the turbocharger to help eliminate turbo lag.
Total system output is in excess of 1,000hp -- and that's not to mention that an extra 50hp is at your command using the overboost functionality. Drivers will harness all of this power with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed automated manual transmission, with shifting duties being handled by paddles behind the steering wheel. When operating at full tilt, the Project ONE can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 217mph. It's also said that it can dash from 0 to 124 mph in under 6 seconds, which is less than most cars can get to 60.
Interestingly enough, the Project ONE can operate in silence as an EV, but that will in effect turn your hypercar into the world's most expensive front-wheel drive vehicle. The Project ONE can travel up to 15 miles on batteries alone in this mode.
As for the exterior styling, it looks rather "aquatic" to us with its flowing lines, gaping grilles and fins. It's still a rather handsome vehicle that features modern Mercedes-Benz styling cues cranked up to 11. Inside, you'll find a minimalist dashboard that is adorned with an F1-style steering wheel, two flat-panel display screens and not much else.
Mercedes has fielded over 1,000 applications for the Project ONE, and 275 lucky buyers will have a chance to purchase one. However, it won't come cheap -- the Project One is priced at an eye-watering $2.53 million dollars.
