Fans of Mercedes-Benz in Frankfurt this week may not know which way to turn. Those who thrill to the German automaker’s cars as well as those of its AMG performance division will be getting their share of satisfaction at the 2017 International Motor Show Germany.
For starters, it’s a world debut for the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, a two-seat hypercar concept that brings to the road an ultra-modern and efficient hybrid technology developed in F1. It will be able to deliver up to 1,000 hp and hit a top speed north of 350 km/h… while being aptly suited for daily use, according to the manufacturer.
"The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval," said Ola Källenius, the company's global head of research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development. “Our highly efficient hybrid assembly stems from motor racing and the electrically powered front axle generates a fascinating mixture of performance and efficiency… this hypercar handles exactly as it looks: it takes your breath away.”
The high-performance plug-in hybrid capabilities of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE were developed in close collaboration with the experts behind the Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. Its components include a centrally mounted 1.6L turbocharged V6 with direct injection that is able to effortlessly attain 11,000 RPM as well as four electric motors: one integrated in the turbocharger, another installed directly at the level of the combustion engine and linked to the crankshaft, and two more powering the front wheels.
In Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz also unveiled the Concept EQA, a 100%-electric compact hatchback with all-wheel drive, whose power output can surpass 270 hp and which offers a range of around 400 km. In terms of design, minimalist lines and forms and innovative lighting elements give a strong indication of the direction the automaker is heading in in the near-future.
For its part, the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL is a pre-production electric SUV that uses a battery as well as fuel cells. The former offers drivers a range of close to 50 km, while the latter extends that to 437 km on a full tank of hydrogen, and power output is expected to be 197 hp. A vehicle like this one will not, of course, be heading for the Canadian market any time soon due to the absence of a well-established infrastructure for hydrogen in this country.
Lastly, Mercedes-Benz presented its redesigned S Class Coupé and Cabriolet models, both based on the next-generation sedan version of the S-Class. The sedan lineup itself is also growing with the addition of a plug-in hybrid version called the S 560e, which will offer an all-electric range of 50 km.