SPY PICS: Mercedes-AMG Project ONE spied at the ’Ring

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE has again been caught by our spy photographers overseas, this time at the Nurburgring in Germany as the $5 million hypercar draws near to its official unveiling.

Production of Mercedes-AMG’s 735kW F1-inspired road car was originally set down for 2019, however engineering and compliance challenges, as well as COVID-19 restrictions, are said to have pushed first deliveries out to late this year.

This latest batch of spy photos shows the camouflaged Project ONE outside the Nurburgring, where it’s reportedly preparing for a tilt at the outright production car lap record.

Featuring the same wicked design we’ve seen from teasers and previous spy shots, the AMG ONE’s slim headlights and grille are still on show, however the photographers noted a more basic tail-light design on this test mule, as well as the absence of carbon-fibre panels behind the front wheels.

The Project ONE will be powered by the same drivetrain used in Lewis Hamilton’s 2015 F1 race car, combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine with four electric motors (one at each corner). 

Acceleration from 0-100km/h can apparently be achieved in less than 2.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed in excess of 350km/h.

That said, the AMG won’t be as powerful as the light Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is said to be good for a stonking 865kW/900Nm, all sent the rear wheels.

The Aston is also set to take on the ’Ring, with the British car-maker aiming to set its own production car lap record.

Other tech features on the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Project ONE include race-spec adjustable push-rod suspension and carbon-ceramic discs, along with advanced aerodynamic aids, including a pop-up rear wing and active fender extractors that retract to reduce drag and maximise top speed.

A total of 275 will be built, each costing around $5 million. Despite that eye-watering price tag, all have been spoken for, with eight reportedly set for Australian shores.

Stay tuned for further details when the Mercedes-AMG Project One is officially unveiled.