httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeKiWiUJz9Y
The Mercedes-AMG Project One is among the most interesting launches of 2017, coupling a Formula 1 powertrain with road-car sensibilities.
Designing a car capable of circuit-crushing performance and road-ruling comfort is a unique challenge, the likes of which most engineers and designers never face.
Gordon Wagener, head of design for Daimler AG, and some of his team explain the inspiration for the Project One in the video above, talks about how it fits into the wider Mercedes-AMG design language and goes through the challenges involved in packaging a race powertrain in a road car body.
Obviously, there’s plenty of buzzwords and corporate speak scattered throughout, but it’s a fascinating peek at how the people behind the craziest Mercedes-AMG see their own creation.
Under the skin of the Project One is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining two electric motors with a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 for more than 740kW of power. The engine is technically capable of revving to 11,000rpm, but Mercedes has capped it ‘well below’ that mark to improve longevity.
That doesn’t appear to have hampered its performance. The car will hit 200km/h in less than 6.0 seconds, on its way to a top speed north of 350km/h.
Oh, and you’ll be able to drive 25km on battery power alone.
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