Unquestionably The Highest Power-Density Engine In A Production Vehicle Ever

The chosen powertrain by AMG was the PU106B, the same engine that propelled Lewis Hamilton to an F1 title in 2015. Adapting the PU106B for road use required significant modifications, retaining key components from its racing origins. The Mercedes-AMG ONE is not just equipped with a standard electric turbocharger found in most modern Mercedes vehicles – it also features active aerodynamics and a system that harnesses heat to aid regenerative braking for battery charging.

Extensive efforts were directed towards ensuring the Mercedes-AMG ONE met road-legal standards. Unlike an F1 car that idles at 5,000 rpm, this vehicle required an onboard system to warm the catalytic converters before engine engagement. The complexity of this car is such that specific systems must be activated before it can operate.

Just What Is The PU106B Capable Of?

*Power numbers do not reflect total output from the hybrid powertrain

The performance capabilities of the PU106B are truly remarkable, as highlighted in a recent report. The base engine itself delivers substantial horsepower without the assistance of hybrid features or an electric turbocharger, further enhancing its impressive credentials. Addition of electric components elevates its performance to astonishing levels.

The PU106B’s specifications reveal it can generate 566 horsepower without any additional components. Complementing this powerplant are four electric motors, wherein two are housed on the front axle, each producing 161 horsepower. These motors deliver all-wheel drive capability. A third motor is integrated within the PU106B, linked to the crankshaft, and generates 161 horsepower along with undisclosed torque figures. The unique E-turbo electric motor directly connected to the turbocharger aims to reduce turbo lag by not depending on exhaust gases for rotation. All four electric motors feature energy recuperation functions.

Adding up all the power generated by the AMG ONE equals 1,049 horsepower combined with an undefined level of torque, as Mercedes-Benz states that measuring torque is unfeasible due to the intricacy of its power system. A seven-speed automated manual transmission with a single-disc clutch is responsible for managing this power.

However, there stands a significant caveat with the PU106B. Owing to its origins in Formula 1, it’s not designed to be enduring. Mercedes-AMG specifies that the engine’s lifespan is around 31,000 miles, after which a full overhaul or replacement is necessary due to wear and tear. This procedure comes with a price tag of 850,000 Euros or slightly over $920,000. For a new engine, that’s a hefty sum to pay. Nevertheless, if you can afford an AMG ONE initially, you likely have the means to cover the costly engine renewal.

The PU106B’s Formula One Origins

The journey of the PU106 engine family started back in 2014, as mentioned previously. In total, there have been 11 different iterations of the PU106 engine, each more potent than its predecessor. The initial version, the PU106A, made its debut in 2014, producing 870 horsepower with a similar hybrid power system as discussed earlier. Subsequently, the PU106B appeared a year later and was employed in the Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE. The engine’s most successful season was 2016, where it achieved victory in 19 out of 21 races in its PU106C variant.

Presently, the PU106 lineage has undergone significant enhancements since its debut. Altogether, the engine has been accountable for driving numerous Formula One vehicles to a combined total of 119 victories since 2014, an incredibly remarkable figure. One particular model, the Mercedes-AMG M11 EQ Performance, has been acclaimed as one of the most triumphant Formula One vehicles in history, predominantly due to its PU106-family engine. In recent times, the motor has observed a conspicuous decline in triumph on the professional racing circuit. Nonetheless, this downturn is unrelated to the powertrain.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG ONE: An Astonishing Performer On The Circuit

Some Notable AMG ONE Lap Records

• Nürburgring Nordschleife: 6:35.183
• Hockenheimring: 1:38.563
• Monza: 1:43.902

In summary, it’s fair to assert that the AMG ONE is truly exceptional, primarily courtesy of its F1-influenced powertrain. Nevertheless, several other features of this supercar contribute to its track-devouring prowess.

Firstly, its overall configuration is an unabashed, precisely sculpted aerodynamic masterpiece. Sporting a two-part rear wing with an F1-derived RS system, it allows for greater velocity on straight stretches at the cost of downforce. Additionally, it flaunts active slats on the front splitter that dynamically adjust to various aerodynamic conditions and alter their shape depending on the selected driving mode.

The AMG ONE is equipped with large front fascia air intakes and a roof-mounted intake to supply additional fresh air to its 1.6-liter engine. Furthermore, there is a centrally positioned fin atop the mid-mounted powerplant extending to the rear of the AMG ONE, aiding in maintaining stability at high speeds, resembling an aircraft’s empennage. Even the rims of the AMG ONE were meticulously designed for aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring more downforce in corners and enhancing stability.

Utilizing all these aerodynamic innovations, the AMG ONE has already shattered multiple lap records. Most notably, it achieved a Nürburgring lap time of six minutes and 30 seconds under the control of Maro Engel, an AMG factory driver. Additionally, it established a lap record at the Monza Circuit, as well as at circuits like the Red Bull Ring and Hockenheim.