Mercedes-AMG brings F1 hybrid tech from race track to road

The car is said to produce over 740kW and reach top speeds beyond 350km/h.

The high-performance plug-in hybrid drive system of the Mercedes-AMG Project One comes directly from Formula 1. It consists of a highly integrated and intelligently networked unit comprising one hybrid, turbocharged combustion engine with a total of four electric motors. One has been integrated into the turbocharger, another has been installed directly on the combustion engine with a link to the crankcase and the two remaining motors drive the front wheels.

The 1.6-litre V6 hybrid petrol engine with direct injection and electrically assisted single turbocharging comes directly from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 racing car. The four overhead camshafts are driven by spur gears. To achieve high engine speeds, the mechanical valve springs have been replaced by pneumatic valve springs.

The vehicle is mid-engined (ahead of the rear axle) and it can easily reach speeds of 11,000rpm, which is currently unique for a road-going vehicle. However, for higher longevity and the use of commercially available Super Plus petrol instead of racing fuel, it remains significantly below the F1 engine speed limit.