Quite Simple — He Develops Mercedes-AMG’s Incredible Formula 1-Derived One Ultracar
What does Lewis Hamilton do after work? Well it seems he’s been quite busy, if a new Mercedes AMG video of its new One ultracar is anything to go by.
All 275 Units of the 1000 Horse One Are Accounted For
Unveiled as Project One by Hamilton and then Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, little has been revealed about the car. We do know that only 275 units will be built at $2.72 million. DOn’t get too excited — all are already accounted for after with four times that number were ordered!
Now, not only do the new clips reveal Lewis’ part in testing and developing it’s thousand-horse Formula 1-derived 1.6-litre V6 ERS One, but it also reveals the look and a few more secrets of its ulracar
Video Reveals more Mercedes-AMG One Secrets
Sculpted in the wind tunnel, the all-carbon fibre Mercedes-AMG One has active aerodynamic. The new video reveals new aspects for the first time. You’ll notice its fender-top vents popping up. And the video also reveals a DRS-like adjustable rear wing. That’s in addition to large aerodynamic front air ducts and a roof-mounted air intake. And the large aero fin above the rear engine cover.
There’s also a glimpse at One’s minimalist and driver-focused Formula 1 themed cabin. It has steering wheel pedals and driver-oriented central infotainment screen. That’s neatly blended with a little fine stitched eliminates turbo Napa leather on the bucket seats.
What we also know, is that One’s 1,039–1,231 hp hybrid drivetrain was basically nicked out of Hamilton’s Formula 1 machine. And re-tuned for road use. One has a combiniation of an internal combustion engine and four electric motors. The 748 hp 90-degree turbo petrol 1.6-litre V6 ICE will be tweaked to idle at a respectable 1,280 rpm. Never fear, it will still muster its 11,000 rpm redline. Mercedes-AMG however expects each One back every 30,000 miles for an engine rebuild.
A Power Unit Straight Out of Hamilton’s F1 Mercedes
Like that grand prix V6, two of One’s four electric drive units also essentially come straight out of Lewis’ F1 machine. The 161 hp MGU-K, or Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic, is mounted directly to the V6’s crankshaft. And the 121 hp MGU-H, or Motor Generator Unit-Heat runs with the turbocharger. Unlike the F1 car, that additional pair of electric motors do duty at the front axle. Each drives a wheel to deliver an all-wheel drivetrain.
The F1-derived MGU-K and MGU-H motor-generators do double duty. They harvest energy under braking, and also contribute to the beast’s incredible prowess under power. They also improve efficiency. The MGU-K generates electricity under braking. The MGU-H keeps the turbocharger spinning at high speeds when off the throttle. To eliminate lag and improve throttle response. Those four electric motors contribute an additional 603 hp to the One’s total output.
One Also has a Formula 1-like Gearbox
The majority of that drive is put down via an F1-like automated single clutch 8-speed manual transmission. It drives the rear wheels. One rides on 19 inch front and 20 inch rear aluminium and carbon fibre composite centre-lock wheels. They are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 285/35 ZR 19 front and 335/30 ZR 20 rear rubber. Ventilated carbon-ceramic discs take care of the braking.
The 2,866 lb ultracar is expected to challenge the two-second 0-60 mph barrier and reach 200 mph in around 11 seconds on its way to a 217 mph top speed.
So there you have it. There’s little doubt why Lewis Hamilton has spends a fair amount of time away from his day job contributing to the development of the Mercedes-AMG One. He’s the perfect man for he job!
