Mercedes-AMG ONE Shatters Its Own Lap Record at the Nürburgring with a Stunning 6:29.090 Minute Run

The Mercedes-AMG ONE has set a new lap record on the Nordschleife track

The impressive new record time is 6:29.090 minutes

For a long time, the 6:11.13 minute record set by Stefan Bellof was the ultimate benchmark at the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit, achieved in a Porsche 956 race car. However, a street-legal car is now closing in on that time. But it's no ordinary vehicle; it's one equipped with Formula 1 technology and a hardtop.

Since October 2022, the Mercedes-AMG ONE has held the title of the fastest production car on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife track, and it has remained unrivaled ever since. The only competition it faces is from itself. Brand ambassador and DTM driver Maro Engel has now significantly shattered the lap record he previously set. Clocking in an officially measured and notarially certified time of 6:29.090 minutes for the 20.832-kilometer course, this hypercar has surpassed its own record for production vehicles by over five seconds.

Photo Gallery: Clocking in at 6:29.090 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG ONE shatters its own lap record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

With this achievement, the Mercedes-AMG ONE becomes the first road-legal vehicle to break the elusive 6:30 minute barrier. It also stands as the only production hybrid hypercar to have taken on the world's most challenging racetrack, dominating the super sports car category without contest.

Two years ago, the conditions were not ideal, with some parts of the track still a bit damp. We were aware there was room for improvement and we were eager to prove it. Today, the time came for us to showcase the full capabilities of the AMG ONE. I'm deeply grateful to the entire team from Affalterbach for placing their trust in me. It was a tremendous pleasure and privilege to have the opportunity to set this record lap in such a remarkable vehicle," stated Maro Engel himself.

To achieve the ambitious goals set, meticulous planning was essential on one hand. Furthermore, the conditions of the track had to be just right to beat the targeted time of 6:30 minutes. On September 23, 2024, at 6:56 PM, on his third timed lap, Maro Engel succeeded in setting the record time. With air temperatures at 15 degrees Celsius and the asphalt at 20 degrees Celsius, the iconic Nordschleife was consistently dry, providing ideal traction.

Just like Formula 1 racers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell during their race weekends, Maro Engel also had to strategically manage the electric power of his hybrid engine. This task is particularly challenging on tracks extending over 20 kilometers. It's crucial to capitalize on specific parts of the track, recuperating energy during braking phases to recharge the batteries.

To achieve his goal, Maro Engel leveraged the four-level Energy Flow Control (EFC) feature of the AMG ONE, and strategically eased off the accelerator earlier than usual, a technique known in the industry as "Lift and Coast." Preliminary tests using the driving simulator in Affalterbach and on the actual Nordschleife track provided the necessary insights for the team and driver to perfectly execute during the record-breaking lap. As per the regulations of the Nürburgring 1927 GmbH & Co. KG, the vehicle's standard condition was inspected and verified by TÜV Rheinland. Furthermore, a notary public certified the proper conduct of the record attempt.

For the first time globally, the Mercedes-AMG hypercar introduces Formula 1 hybrid propulsion technology to public roads. This E PERFORMANCE hybrid is powered by a combination of a 1.5-liter V6 internal combustion engine and four electric motors, delivering a total output of 782 kW (1,063 hp). The vehicle also incorporates advanced motorsport technology, including a carbon monocoque structure, a carbon-fiber body, an integrated engine-transmission unit, active aerodynamics, and a push-rod suspension system.

Photo Gallery: Mercedes-AMG One (2022)

According to its creators, the Mercedes-AMG ONE, which seats two, comes equipped with advanced technology that, in some aspects, surpasses even that of a Formula 1 race car. This vehicle features the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, which includes a hybrid-powered rear axle and an electric-powered front axle with torque vectoring capabilities.

In preparation for the record-setting drive, the vehicle was set to the highest possible camber values within the delivery tolerance. Driver Maro Engel opted for the "Race Plus" driving mode. This mode engages the most aggressive aerodynamic settings, tightens the suspension setup, lowers the car by 37 mm at the front axle and 30 mm at the rear axle, and unleashes full power from all the engines.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is engaged by the driver through a button on the steering wheel. This action retracts the front louvers on the fenders as well as the upper aerodynamic element on the two-stage rear wing. As a result, this decreases the air resistance, enabling higher speeds on the fast sections of the track.

Discover more about the AMG One and Porsche's record-breaking run:

During winding sections, the aerodynamic components swiftly extend once more, resulting in a significantly increased downforce. Additionally, Maro Engel discovered more potential in the deployment of the DRS system compared to his initial record-setting drive, allowing for an even more optimal performance of the AMG hypercar.

Customers of the AMG ONE can take advantage of these customization options as well. This includes the standard tires, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO, which were developed specifically for the ONE in collaboration with Michelin. The vehicle also comes standard with AMG's ceramic high-performance composite braking system, ensuring maximum deceleration and durability.

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