Mercedes Road Tests Hypercar Prototype

Daimler AG’s has begun testing a prototype of its Project One hypercar on public roads in the U.K.

The carmaker says it spent hundreds of hours developing the car digitally and testing the hybrid powertrain on advanced dynamometers. The team also has been putting the Project One through the paces on a test track at its facility in Brixworth, England.

The lightly camouflaged prototypes indicate the car will maintain the basic design of the Project One concept car Mercedes showed at the 2017 Frankfurt auto show. Mercedes says the vehicle’s sophisticated aerodynamic features will generate as much as 1,500 lbs of downforce.

Derived from Mercedes’ Formula One race car, the hybrid powertrain teams a turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 with four electric motors. The combination is expected to generate more than 1,000 hp and propel the car to a top speed of 217 mph.

The engine and two motors will power the front wheels, while another motor will send power to the rear wheels. The fourth motor will be used to spool up the turbocharger to enhance responsiveness.

Mercedes says the car’s battery will enable it to drive 16 miles in pure electric mode.

The carmaker plans to build 275 of the vehicles, which are expected to cost about $2.7 million apiece. Production is due to begin next year.