Mercedes-AMG confirms 2018 hypercar with over 1000hp
Production of the Formula One-inspired Mercedes-AMG hypercar will be limited to 200–300 units, with a hybrid V6 engine targeting a four-figure output.
Mercedes-AMG has officially confirmed it will launch a hypercar in 2018, drawing directly on technology from its Formula One programme. The highly anticipated model is set to target a power output of more than 1000 horsepower, achieved through a hybrid powertrain. This marks a significant step for Mercedes-AMG, as the project is being developed entirely in-house, with no collaboration from outside partners such as Lotus.
Mercedes-AMG Hypercar: Formula One Technology for the Road
Engine and Powertrain Details
At the heart of the new hypercar will be a turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine, closely related to the power unit used in the Mercedes W07 Formula One car. This engine will be paired with a hybrid system, blending cutting-edge electric technology with proven racing hardware. Mercedes-AMG’s Tobias Moers has stated that the road car’s output will be “broadly accurate” to the F1 car’s 1000hp figure, but he has dismissed speculation that the car will be tuned to 1200hp. The engine architecture will be adapted for road use, ensuring reliability and drivability alongside extreme performance.
The hybrid system is expected to provide not only a significant power boost but also improved efficiency, in line with trends seen in recent hypercars from other manufacturers. The use of Formula One-derived components, including energy recovery systems, will help the hypercar deliver both exceptional acceleration and advanced energy management.
Development and Production
Mercedes-AMG has made it clear that the entire development process is being handled internally, without input from external firms. Tobias Moers has emphasised that rumours of a partnership with Lotus are unfounded. The car will also feature a carbon fibre monocoque, drawing on Formula One construction methods to ensure both strength and lightness.
In a move that further links the hypercar to Mercedes’ motorsport pedigree, Formula One drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton will serve as development drivers during prototype testing. Their experience with the F1 powertrain and chassis will be instrumental in fine-tuning the car’s dynamics for road use.
Timeline and Customer Deliveries
Development of the Mercedes-AMG hypercar has already been underway for some time, with the first prototypes scheduled to appear on public roads for testing in late 2017. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in 2018, shortly after the official launch. This timeline positions the car as a flagship model, showcasing Mercedes-AMG’s technical expertise and its direct connection to Formula One success.
Position in the Mercedes-AMG Range
The hypercar will sit at the very top of Mercedes-AMG’s performance line-up. By incorporating Formula One technology into a road-going vehicle, Mercedes-AMG aims to offer customers a unique driving experience that reflects the brand’s achievements on the racetrack. The combination of hybrid power, advanced materials, and limited production ensures that this car will be one of the most significant and exclusive models in the company’s history.
For those interested in Mercedes-AMG’s broader range of performance models, the company continues to develop high-performance versions of its mainstream vehicles, such as the AMG Performance Package Plus for the Mercedes C63 AMG. However, the upcoming hypercar is set to be the brand’s most ambitious project yet, offering technology and performance directly inspired by its Formula One successes.
