Mercedes-AMG is reportedly developing a mid-engined hypercar with F1 features and a Lotus influenced chassis setup. The model in question has been rumoured for number of months now but the concept is now apparently moving into physical development.
The new hypercar follows in the footsteps of the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1 with a high power hybrid powertrain and will be engineered at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, where F1 engines are born.
This new hypercar, however, is likely to be more similar to that of Aston Martin and Red Bull’s AM-RB 001. With its F1 style carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body as well as hardware and software influenced by the F1 W07 race car. Another similarity to the AM-RB 001 is its astronomical price, with a figure of around £3 million being placed on the table.
Comments made by an insider earlier this year had already suggested an F1 powertrain being put into a Mercedes road car. “We have the most energy-dense hybrid pack in existence”, “it would make a great deal of sense to harness that technology for the road.”
Despite this, it is still unclear whether the F1 engine’s 1.6-litre size will feature, or it’s 15,000rpm rev limit, due to compromised reliability.
A suggestion of Lotus’ contribution relates to the chassis set-up of the car. This was supported with claims that the Norfolk based car maker was involved with chassis tuning for another performance Mercedes.
Source: Autocar
