Yahoo Autos The Mercedes-AMG One Just Lapped the Nurburgring in Under 6:30
In spite of being on the books for almost two years, nobody has yet beaten the Mercedes-AMG One’s production car Nürburgring record lap time of 6:35 set in 2022. In a surprise twist, however, Mercedes has just knocked down its own record — and did it by more than five seconds.
As it turns out, the Mercedes-AMG One had a lot more in reserve than what DTM driver Maro Engel was able to extract from it back in 2022. The new record stands at 6:29.090, making it the first production car to dip below the 6:30 mark. (You can watch the video of the new record-setting run below.)
Where did Engel find the time? AMG blamed weather conditions for hindering the car’s ultimate pace during its first attempt, as some sections of the track were damp while it was setting the original record. This time, Engel had a totally dry track with air temperatures of 59º Fahrenheit, conditions Mercedes says allowed for “perfect grip.”
More strategic use of the “Energy Flow Control” system helped shave time off the previous lap, too. Mercedes found that in simulator tests, it was an overall benefit to “lift and coast” on occasion, in order to recuperate power that can be deployed in other parts of the track more effectively. Engel also found time in smarter use of the driver-activated drag reduction system (DRS). Mercedes says the AMG One was setup with the “maximum camber values within the delivery tolerance,” and fitted with the factory Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tires.
If you’re wondering why Mercedes felt the need to extend its lead over other production vehicles – it was already ahead of the 911 GT2 RS with the Manthey kit by more than eight seconds – AMG boss Michael Schiebe has an answer.
"We've held the record for road vehicles for almost two years now,” said Schiebe. “But at AMG, we always want to push the boundaries of what is possible to the maximum or even push them a little further. That's why we have once again demonstrated what is possible with the unique AMG One.”
This faster lap time, simply put, will make it harder for others to beat Mercedes. Porsche is always cooking up a faster 911; the Aston Martin Valkyrie looks rather intimidating, and EVs like the Rimac Nevera R and upcoming electric Porsche hypercar could prove threats, too. Yet now that AMG has moved the goalposts a little further down the road, there’s a chance this Formula 1-inspired hypercar could hold onto the record for quite some time.
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