Mercedes-AMG is developing a new mid-engined hypercar that will feature F1 hardware and a Lotus-influenced chassis setup, a source close to our sister publication Autocar UK has revealed.
The insider said the new model – the existence of which has been rumoured for several months – was now moving into stages of physical development. He added that the car will feature a Mercedes F1 hybrid powertrain redeveloped for the road and engineered at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, England where F1 racing engines are also made.
It is not yet known whether the F1 engine’s 1.6-litre capacity will be retained or if the road engine’s block will be bored out for improved reliability. The racing engine’s 15,000rpm rev limit will almost certainly be significantly reduced for the same reason.
The car’s chassis and body will be built around an F1-style carbonfibre monocoque, with software and hardware for its systems that take influence from the F1 team’s F1 W07 race car. The results will make for a car that should rival Aston Martin’s similarly focused AM-RB 001, which also benefits from F1 technology and construction know-how.
The source’s suggestion of involvement from Lotus relates to road car chassis set-up. The information was supported with claims that the Norfolk carmaker had been involved with the final chassis tuning for another recent Mercedes performance model.