Tobias Moers, the big boss at Mercedes-AMG believes that their Project ONE hypercar has what it takes to be the quickest car ever to lap the Nürburgring - even quicker then Stefan Bellof's all-time lap record of 6.11, set in a Porsche 956 race car in 1983.
While the car might be capable, finding a driver that is capable is a different story - could Lewis Hamilton take up the challenge? The only vehicle that 'could' theoretically run the Project ONE close at the 'Ring would be the McLaren Senna, as it generates just a little more overall downforce compared to the AMG.
However, the AMG has it beaten in one very important category - power. The Project ONE is powered by a F1-derived 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 paired to four electric motors, with output expected to exceed 800kw. Power is sent to all four wheels, and it will be capable of a top speed of 350kph.
Sadly, we would have to wait until 2019 for any sort of lap attempt, as it's only then that deliveries of the Project ONE will commence. Only 275 are being produced - and all are already sold - at a price tag of just over R30 million.
Don't count on seeing one in SA though, as it will only be produced in left-hand drive configuration.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE cost in South Africa?
The Project ONE costs just over R30 million, but all 275 units are already sold and it won't be available in South Africa anyway since it's only produced in left-hand drive configuration.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE around the Nürburgring?
The Project ONE hasn't set an official lap time yet since deliveries only start in 2019, but Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers believes it can beat Stefan Bellof's all-time record of 6:11 set in a Porsche 956 race car in 1983.
Q: What engine does the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE use?
The Project ONE uses an F1-derived 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 paired with four electric motors, producing over 800kW and capable of reaching 350kph with all-wheel drive.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE worth buying?
At over R30 million for a hypercar you can't even get in South Africa, the Project ONE is more of a collector's piece than a practical purchase, especially when you consider all units are already sold out.
Q: How many Mercedes-AMG Project ONE cars will be made?
Only 275 Project ONE hypercars will be produced worldwide, all in left-hand drive configuration, with deliveries starting in 2019.
Should You Buy It?
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE at over R30 million is essentially impossible to buy in South Africa since it's left-hand drive only and all units are sold out anyway. If you're after AMG performance that you can actually get your hands on locally, look at the Mercedes-AMG A Class or G Class instead. The Project ONE is a technological marvel that showcases what's possible when F1 tech meets road cars, but it's more of a unicorn than a realistic purchase option for South African buyers.
