Mercedes-AMG ONE makes virtual debut

The Mercedes-AMG ONE will make history as one of the most extreme hypercars ever produced thanks to its F1-derived V6 engine.

And now the 746kW (1000hp) German missile’s pop culture status will be secured as well, when it debuts as the hero car for the new Forza Horizon 5 video game for Xbox consoles and PC on November 9.

A new eight-minute trailer for the game shows the mythical Mercedes-AMG ONE blasting along the highways of Mexico, where the new Forza game is set.

Featuring unique livery, the Mercedes-AMG ONE ‘Forza Horizon Edition’ is displayed in enough detail to reveal aerodynamic details that remain true to the Project ONE concept that previewed the yet-to-appear production version way back in 2017.

Featuring next-gen graphics with advanced volumetric lighting and high frame rates for the realistic sensation of speed, the new Forza game tasks players to race AI and human opponents to win cash, then collect faster and more capable cars, with countless modifications allowing for excessive car customisation.

There’s a flimsy plot around a music festival, which we’ve never understood, but it usually results in excellent in-game music.

Other new cars being pushed as feature vehicles in the Forza Horizon 5 video game include the borg-again Ford Bronco, but it’s the new AMG ONE hypercar that has been lavished with the most detail, including the virtual inclusion of its active aerodynamic features, such as its extendable rear wing and active fender extractors.

But as gamers get to blast around in the craziest car ever developed by the Affalterbach car-maker, things appear to be taking a little longer in the real world.

Powered by four electric motors and a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol V6 working in unison to achieve a top speed of at least 350km/h, the wildest ever AMG isn’t yet available to its owners following development delays.

AMG’s once-a-generation hypercar is now due to be launched later this year – perhaps at next month’s Munich motor show – after its world debut was delayed due to the F1-inspired powertrain’s complexity.

Mercedes-AMG originally said the 1.6-litre DOHC V6 would require a full rebuild every 50,000km but recent changes to the engine have reduced its rev limit from 11,000rpm to improve its durability and extend its service life.

Of the 275 examples to be built, at least eight of the game-changing AMGs have been sold to Australians, priced at close to $5 million apiece.

Unlike well-heeled owners of the real-world Mercedes-AMG ONE, issues like fuel quality, insurance and reliability won’t be an issue for those driving the virtual version on Forza Horizon 5, which is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC gamers from November 9.