The Mercedes-AMG hypercar is official! The spectacular mid-engined coupe will borrow much of its technology from Formula 1, Daimler product development chief Thomas Weber has announced during Mercedes-Benz Media Night event.
“I’m very excited to officially confirm our next big thing at AMG is already in the pipeline. We’re going to create an AMG performance hybrid featuring our Formula 1 drivetrain technology, with a league of AMG performance companies joining forces to create the most efficient and at the same time, the best performing and most spectacular AMG of all time. Some may even call it a hypercar,” Webber said.
“No matter what you call it, it will definitely show how we’ll take our performance brand into the future with extremely efficient and intelligent drivetrain technology. Of course, as you can expect from us, there will be no compromises in terms of the emotional appeal of this car,” Weber concluded.
Back in August, we were able to report on the basis of reports from the British Evo that a fully fledged Mercedes-AMG hypercar was sitting in the barrel. At that time we shared the news with some uncertainty, but all that is now gone.
The official announcement was accompanied by a teaser sketch outlining the mid-engine layout of the first-ever Mercedes-AMG hypercar. The Mercedes-AMG R50 will feature an F1-style carbonfibre monocoque and will go guns blazing against the very best: LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Aston Martin AM-RB 001.
The hybrid beast will borrow its technology from Formula 1. The rumor mill is speculating a turbo 1.6-liter V6 from Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car. Two turbochargers should be good for a capacity of approximately 900 hp. In addition, an electric motor should provide the muscle bundle of extra power, complete with a sci-fi KERS energy-recovery system. Total output should target more than 1.000 hp.
The Mercedes-AMG hypercar will be a joint project between AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and the F1 powertrain team in Brixworth, Northampton.
