Few motorsport accomplishments generate the same buzz as a record lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Nestled in the lush Eifel Mountains of Germany, this legendary track has earned its nickname, “The Green Hell,” through its daunting layout of 154 corners, unpredictable weather, and ever-changing elevation. It’s a proving ground for the world’s greatest drivers and a crucible for automotive engineering. The announcement that the Mercedes-AMG One has once again set a new Nürburgring record is a reminder of the relentless pursuit of speed and excellence that defines both this storied circuit and Mercedes-Benz itself.
In 2022, the Mercedes-AMG One made headlines by setting a blistering time of 6 minutes, 35.183 seconds around the Nordschleife. This was already a jaw-dropping feat for any production car, let alone a hybrid hypercar with such F1-inspired complexity. Fast forward to 2024, and the AMG One managed to beat its own record by over six seconds, clocking in at an astonishing 6 minutes, 29.090 seconds. With this achievement, it cements its position not only as the fastest production car at the Nürburgring but also as a marvel of modern engineering, bridging the gap between Formula 1 technology and road-going performance.
The Evolution of the Nürburgring Record: A Benchmark of Automotive Excellence
For decades, the Nürburgring has served as the ultimate benchmark for performance cars. Manufacturers from around the globe strive to set lap records here, treating success as a badge of honor. This is largely because the Nordschleife, with its grueling 20.8 kilometers of winding tarmac, is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world. To master this circuit requires not only speed but a well-balanced blend of power, aerodynamics, handling, and precision.
Records at the Nürburgring are a point of pride for both carmakers and enthusiasts alike, as they offer a window into the limits of a vehicle’s abilities. From the era of naturally aspirated engines to today’s hybrid and electric hypercars, each new record set is a snapshot of the advancements in automotive engineering. The Mercedes-AMG One’s latest feat adds to this illustrious history, showcasing what is possible when you take Formula 1 technology to the streets.
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Breaking Boundaries: Mercedes-AMG One’s Powertrain and Aerodynamics
The AMG One is no ordinary supercar—it’s a hybrid hypercar that directly borrows technology from Mercedes’ championship-winning Formula 1 program. This machine packs a 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine, but don’t let the small displacement fool you; it’s derived directly from F1 and works in concert with four electric motors to generate an eye-watering 1,049 horsepower.
One of the most notable features of the AMG One is its complex drivetrain. This includes the turbocharged internal combustion engine paired with an intricate hybrid system. The V6 engine spins at an astronomical 11,000 RPM, a number typically reserved for race cars, which speaks volumes about the technological prowess needed to make such a powertrain suitable for the road. Supporting this engine are four electric motors—one integrated into the turbocharger, another connected to the internal combustion engine, and two positioned on the front axle.
The electric motor integrated with the turbocharger is a highlight of innovation. It powers the turbo, virtually eliminating lag, which means immediate throttle response—a necessity for both F1 and the Nürburgring, where every millisecond counts. This “e-turbo” system ensures that boost is always available, even at lower RPMs, providing seamless power delivery when the driver demands it.
Moreover, the front axle electric motors are responsible for not only generating power but also for adding torque vectoring capabilities, which improves handling through corners. The result is a car that sticks to the track with relentless grip, allowing it to navigate the demanding Nürburgring with pinpoint precision.
Perfect Conditions, Perfect Execution
When Mercedes-AMG set out to break their previous record, they knew they needed more than just a powerful car. They required perfect track conditions and the right driver to push the car to its absolute limits. In 2022, conditions at the Nürburgring were less than ideal, with some damp sections of the track, limiting the AMG One’s potential. However, on September 23, 2024, the stars aligned, and Mercedes-AMG found what they were looking for: air temperatures of 15°C and track temperatures of 20°C, which provided ideal levels of grip.
The task of piloting the AMG One was given to professional driver Maro Engel, who has a wealth of experience at the Nürburgring. Engel pushed the hypercar to its maximum, utilizing the car’s ‘Race Plus’ mode, which adjusts the car’s suspension, ride height, aerodynamics, and power delivery to achieve the optimal setup for track performance. With lowered ride height, increased aerodynamic downforce, and DRS (Drag Reduction System) engaged on the straights, the AMG One was able to capitalize on every ounce of grip and power available.
The ‘Race Plus’ mode exemplifies how technology can transform driving dynamics. This mode optimizes every aspect of the car’s behavior, from aerodynamics to suspension. The front splitter extends, the rear wing deploys, and the ride height lowers significantly, which altogether generate monumental downforce. This downforce is crucial at the Nürburgring, where high-speed stability can make or break a lap record attempt.
The key to Engel’s success was also in managing the hybrid drivetrain during the lap, employing techniques like “lift and coast” to optimize the battery’s charge while maintaining high speeds. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Engel mastered, enabling the AMG One to harness every kilowatt of power at the right moments throughout the lap.
The Challenge of the Green Hell: Conquering the Nürburgring
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is an unforgiving environment for any car. Its 154 corners vary from tight hairpins to fast, flowing bends. The elevation changes create challenging compression zones, while the relentless length of the circuit means there’s little room for error—drivers must memorize every inch to push a car to its limit. No wonder the Nürburgring has claimed many cars, both prototypes and production models, which couldn’t withstand its brutal demands.
With such complexity, achieving a fast time at the Nordschleife isn’t just about raw power; it’s about achieving a balance between speed, agility, stability, and driver confidence. The AMG One’s aerodynamics play a massive role in this. Derived from Formula 1, the car’s active aero system helps it stick to the tarmac with extreme efficiency. As Maro Engel sped through iconic corners like Brünnchen, Hatzenbach, and the Carousel, the AMG One’s aerodynamic package allowed for unparalleled stability and control.
The importance of managing the car’s hybrid system also cannot be overstated. The AMG One, like an F1 car, relies on the interplay between its electric motors and combustion engine. Engaging the electric boost at precisely the right moment out of corners was crucial, as was saving enough battery charge during the braking and coasting phases. Engel’s ability to precisely manage these components while threading the AMG One through the maze of the Nordschleife’s curves was a testament to both his skill and the advanced nature of the car itself.
Formula 1 for the Road: The Essence of the AMG One
The AMG One is the closest any production car has come to replicating the experience of driving a Formula 1 car on public roads. This is not just marketing hyperbole—it is the essence of what Mercedes set out to achieve with the One. F1 technology forms the core of the AMG One, from its powertrain to its aerodynamics and even its suspension.
The hypercar’s bodywork features active aerodynamic elements that adjust depending on the speed and driving mode, ensuring the car always has the ideal amount of downforce or reducing drag when necessary. The suspension system also draws on F1 technology, with an adaptive multi-link setup that can adjust damping rates to suit the conditions. This keeps the car planted and stable at high speeds, critical when attempting a record at the Nürburgring.
The AMG One’s interior is stripped back and driver-focused, much like an F1 cockpit. The driving position is optimized for weight distribution, with all controls placed for maximum driver engagement. The steering wheel, too, takes inspiration from Formula 1, incorporating buttons and switches to adjust settings like the driving mode, DRS, and hybrid power deployment—all at the driver’s fingertips. The purpose is clear: to make the driver feel as connected to the car as possible, in the same way Lewis Hamilton and George Russell feel when piloting their Mercedes-AMG F1 cars.
