Detroit show: Mercedes-AMG teases 745kW+ hypercar

MERCEDES-AMG has released a second tantalising teaser image of its forthcoming hypercar, showing a shadowed rear view of the car that will take the fight to Aston Martin’s equally-anticipated AM-RB 001.

At the Mercedes-Benz press conference in Detroit overnight, Mercedes-AMG chairman Tobias Moers shed some light on the mighty performance figures that can be expected from the upcoming model.

“It’s no secret that we are working on a road-going AMG hypercar powered by our slightly modified Formula One drivetrain – a true performance hybrid,” he said.

“I know there was speculation regarding its performance data, so let me tell you, you can expect a combined power output of more than 1000 horsepower (745kW).” “Add to that an electrical range of about 25kms, a front axle driven purely by our powerful and highly efficient Formula One wheel-selective electric motors, and you get one of the most fascinating two-seaters to ever hit the road.” Judging by the teaser image, the performance monster will be mid-engined, with power for the rear wheels coming from a modified version of AMG’s 1.6-litre V6 F1 engine, likely resulting in four-wheel drive for the production model.

When it rolls out to customers next year the car will be the only model available to the public powered with an F1-derived engine, unless a rival reveals its intentions to develop a similarly detuned F1 donk.

The engine will be built at the same factory in England as its F1 counterparts, but it is unknown as yet what changes will be made for road application, but they could include a capacity increase along with a downsized turbo.

The teaser image shows louvred engine vents, a large F1-style roof scoop and a low, wide stance not unlike the Aston AM-RB 001, which was revealed in concept form in July 2016 and is the most obvious rival for the AMG.

Other current contenders include hybrid supercars – the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and LaFerrari although sales of all three have finished after limited productions runs.

British publication Autocar is reporting that the hypercar will be limited to 300 units and is codenamed Project One.

It is also suggesting that the car will carry a pricetag of around €2 million ($A2.87m) and that a production-ready version will be put on show in September this year at the Frankfurt motor show, making it a triumphant homecoming for the Affalterbach-based company.