The £2m F1-style supercar that needs a new engine every 31,000 miles
GIVEN it is the closest thing to a road-legal Formula One car ever made, it’s no wonder there was an almighty race to buy Mercedes’ new Project One hypercar.
All 275 of the vehicles produced have already been snapped up by wealthy petrol heads desperate for a taste of the fast life – despite a price tag of more than £2million. And testing hasn’t even finished on the car, which Lewis Hamilton helped to develop.
However, there is a snag for the lucky owners – the Mercedes One will require a complete engine re-build after racking up just 31,000 miles.
It is not clear if the customers will have to pay the complete cost of the refurbishment or whether Mercedes will offer a cut-price deal.
Owners will get a two-seater fitted with an F1 engine that accelerate from 0124mph in just six seconds. They will also enjoy 1,000 brake horsepower and a top speed of 217mph.
The One is currently being driven on a test track in Immendingen, Germany, with reports of testing also taking place in the UK and Spain.
Speaking when the car was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, British F1 world champion Hamilton said: ‘What Mercedes has created here, this is history. No one has really done this the right way before. To be a part of this, I helped develop this car, this engine. So to finally see it come to life, it’s magical.’
Mercedes is also telling all buyers that they will not be able to ‘flip’ the car for a quick sale and a healthy profit.
Contractual clauses signed by those with names down for the supercar will prevent the new owners from immediately selling their vehicle. The car was originally due out last year, but is so complex it had to be pushed back to iron out any kinks.
The car will have an F1-style steering wheel which can be adjusted. Alongside a 1.6-litre engine, there are also four electric motors allowing for a switch during more sedate city driving.