As it has proven to be difficult to keep such testing confidential, the motorsports arm of Mercedes-Benz had decided to issue a press statement plus a few images to keep the info-hungry horde at bay.
The development of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE show car, presented at IAA 2017, had been intensively worked on behind closed doors for several months. In a highly complex, digital development process, the transnational project team worked towards its common goal: putting Formula 1 hybrid technology on the road.
Hundreds of testing hours have already been spent to master the immense challenge of making the high-performance drive unit ready for series production: the whole powertrain including all hybrid components underwent the toughest race track tests on the high-performance dyno tests of HPP's engine specialists in Brixworth.
The successful completion of the dyno tests was followed by the installation of the highly complex powertrain into the first prototypes, which since then have been driving around unnoticed on a secret test ground in England.
The Project One is a 1,000hp hybrid capable of going from 0 to 200kph in just six seconds, has a top speed of more than 350kph, and can operate on electric-only emitting zero emissions for up to 25km.
All 275 units of the the US$2.6 million (RM10.6mil) car have been sold. To stop new owners from flipping the car for a quick profit, Mercedes-AMG has reportedly inserted a contract clause that prevent them selling their cars for at least 24 months.
Deliveries start early next year.
