Mercedes shatters the lap record at the Nürburgring (video)

Feeling that it did not fully deliver in 2022, Mercedes returned to Nürburgring to break its own record.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE, a hypercar equipped with Formula 1™ technology, has held the lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife for a production car since October 2022. This record was further improved in September 2024 by driver Maro Engel, ambassador for the Mercedes-AMG brand, with a time of 6 minutes 29.090 seconds, beating his own record by more than five seconds. This vehicle thus becomes the first road-legal car to surpass the symbolic barrier of 6 minutes 30 seconds on this circuit, known as one of the most challenging in the world. It is also the only production hybrid hypercar to have accomplished this feat, confirming its status as a leader in the supercar category.

The AMG ONE features hybrid technology derived from Formula 1™, combining an internal combustion engine and four electric motors for a total power output of 1,063 horsepower. Its top speed is limited to 352 km/h. The car utilizes a carbon chassis and advanced technologies such as active aerodynamics and a push-rod suspension, surpassing even some characteristics of F1 cars.

To establish this new record, Engel used the “Race Plus” driving program, which adjusts aerodynamics, lowers the car, and allows full utilization of the engine power. In addition, he optimized the use of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) to reduce drag on the fast sections of the track and improve downforce in the corners.

Buckle Up!

Another key element of this performance lies in the optimization of hybrid energy usage. As in Formula 1™, the driver must manage energy recovery during braking to recharge the batteries and utilize this energy at the right moment. This precise energy management is ensured by the four-stage energy control system of the AMG ONE, allowing for optimal recovery and efficient use of electrical power.

The Mercedes-AMG ONE also relies on a high-performance battery inspired by F1 technologies. It is equipped with an innovative direct cooling system that keeps the cells at an optimal temperature to ensure maximum performance and a long lifespan. This system also allows the car to drive in 100% electric mode for a distance of 18.1 km, while ensuring rapid energy regeneration during braking phases.

Finally, the AMG ONE hypercar integrates a sophisticated electric turbo that enhances engine responsiveness at all rpm levels, increasing low-end torque and optimizing acceleration. Thanks to these advanced technologies, it stands out as a benchmark in terms of performance, combining power, energy efficiency, and dynamism, all in a road-legal vehicle.

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