Mercedes-AMG Project One engine specs officially revealed

In line with its 50th anniversary, Mercedes-AMG has been dishing out more information about the $2.4 million limited production hypercar. This took place right before the Nürburgring endurance race kicked off earlier this week. Finally, the "once obscure" details of Mercedes-AMG Project One are getting a clearer picture after the German tuner’s recent revelation.

To offer a glimpse of the powertrain, Mercedes-AMG reveals an insane turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 derived from none other than Lewis Hamilton’s 2015 Formula 1 race car. The engine unit however has been equipped with new pistons, a modified crankshaft plus an overhauled electronic system for the road-going model.

The V6 idles at 4,000rpm and revs up to 13,500rpm with two electric motors working with the 6-cylinders. Rated at 107hp (80kW), the first motor keeps the turbocharger spooled up permanently while the motor connected to the crankshaft is capable of up to 161hp (120kW).

Upon reaching 31,000 miles (50,000km), Tobias Moers CEO for Mercedes- AMG pointed out the need to rework on its engine. The two extra motors mounted at the front axle comes with an all-electric range of approximately 15 miles (24km).

Though Mercedes-AMG hasn’t disclosed the exact weight of the Project One, the hypercar is expected to tip the scales at not more than 2,900lbs (1,315kg). That’s because the engine, gearbox and chassis are all made with carbon fiber. In addition, the drivetrain weighs 925 pounds (420 kilograms) while the batteries, which have 4x more cells than Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 W06 hybrid, weigh 220 lbs (100kg).

All in, the Mercedes-AMG Project One will have more than 1,000hp combined output delivered by the single clutch, 8-speed automated manual transmission. This comes equipped with carbon ceramic brakes on all fours plus a set of 335-wide tires at the rear for efficient braking.

Since Mercedes aims to build the first road-legal sports car with a Formula One engine, all units except those for China are going to be made street legal. If any, the Project One’s peak performance resembles the figures as those on AM-RB001 Valkyrie, Porsche’s 918 Spyder, McLaren P1 and LaFerrari.

It won’t be long before the hybrid monster will have its first public debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The production hypercar, which will be limited to only 275 examples. were completely sold out prior to its official premiere. Having said that, Mercedes-AMG made a promise to have all Project One units delivered to their rightful owners by 2020.