Video: Lewis Hamilton tests Mercedes-AMG One hypercar in new campaign
Mercedes-AMG has launched its newest marketing campaign, this time focusing on its upcoming One hypercar and seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Dubbed 'After Work', the 35-second video (shown at the bottom of this story) released by the German performance brand – published shortly after the end of the final race of the 2020 F1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – sees Hamilton jump behind the wheel of a pre-production version of the brand's F1-derived One hypercar, pictured alongside the British driver's title-winning 2020 racer.
The One featured in the video wears a unique grey and black livery, complemented by red accents which, according to Mercedes-AMG chairman Philipp Schiemer, will "play a central role" for the brand's new electrified sub-brand, E-Performance.
The Mercedes-AMG One, first revealed in 'Project' concept form in late 2017, is powered by a WLTP-homologated version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 fitted to the brand's 2015 championship-winning Formula One car, paired with four electric motors – two of which sit on the front axle – for a combined system output of over 740kW and a top speed of "in excess of 350km/h".
While the 1.6-litre turbo V6 can rev up to 11,000rpm in race trim, Affalterbach's engineers have lowered its redline for road use to support road-going 'premium plus' petrol (as opposed to bespoke race fuel) and allow for a "longer service life".
Complementing the high-performance hybrid system is race-derived pushrod system and an advanced aerodynamics package, including a large, active rear spoiler, centre-mounted rear sharkfin, an aggressive rear diffuser and flip-up louvres on the front wheel arches.
"I can still hardly believe that there will soon be a hypercar with a Formula One engine. We won the world championship with this engine in 2015, and I was involved in its development for a long time," said Lewis Hamilton.
"I was able to drive the Project One during the filmwork for the new campaign, and I'm very proud of the extraordinary effort Mercedes-AMG has invested in this project. This car is absolutely unique," he added.
Alongside the One – now in its final stages of development, with first deliveries set to commence next year – and the E-Performance moniker, 2021 will host the launch of Mercedes-AMG's first electrified vehicles, rumoured to be 515kW, plug-in hybrid V8 versions of the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine, likely dubbed GT 73e and S 63e respectively.