AMG ONE and the Future of Hypercars

Kris

Hey everyone, welcome to the Golden State MB Car Club Podcast. , the podcast where we dive into the stories behind the passion for performance, precision, and the lifestyle that surrounds the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Kris

I'm the man the myth the legend KRIS,

Donald

And I'm Donald, CEO / President of GOLDEN STATE MB CAR CLUB,

Kris

Alright, Donald, this is what I'm buzzing about! The AMG ONE—right? A Formula 1 engine, man! In a car you can actually drive on the road. Tell me that's not the wildest thing you've heard! It's insane.

Donald

It's definitely something special, Kris. We're talking about a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine that's straight out of the Formula 1 playbook. And here's the kicker... it produces 574 horsepower all by itself, revving at a mind-blowing 9,000 RPM.

Kris

Wait, but that's not all. C'mon!

Donald

Not even close. That’s just the combustion engine. Add in the four electric motors—a pair of 120-kilowatt motors on the front axle, another 120-kilowatt motor tied to the crankshaft, and a 90-kilowatt one integrated into the turbocharger—and you get a combined system output of 1,063 horsepower. It's staggering!

Kris

Yo, I I can't even process that. Over a thousand horsepower in a car you can take to the grocery store. That’s bonkers, dude. What's the 0 to 60 on this beast?

Donald

Try 2.9 seconds to 62 miles per hour. And it'll hit one hundred and twenty four in less than seven seconds. Oh, and don't forget, it tops out at 218 miles per hour.

Kris

Phew. 218 ! Man, the Autobahn just got a new king.

Donald

It sure did. But here's the thing, Kris. This car? It's not coming to the U.S.

Kris

Wait, what? Not coming here? Why?

Donald

Regulations. U.S. road safety and emissions standards just weren't designed for a car like this. Mercedes-AMG could have tried to re-engineer it to comply, but they decided it wasn’t worth compromising the performance and driving experience.

Kris

Man, that's such a bummer. But I guess it makes it even more exclusive, right? Like, 275 units for the whole world? That’s serious collector gold right there.

Donald

Exactly. And with a price tag of €2.75 million—before taxes—it’s not just a car, Kris. It’s a statement, a piece of automotive history.

Kris

Right, but if you’re dropping that kinda cash, you want to use all of it. Like, tell me about the driving modes! The real geek stuff.

Donald

It’s a feast for gearheads, I'll tell you that much. There are six modes. "Race Safe" is a hybrid mode where you start off electric, and the engine kicks in only when needed. Then there's straight-up "Race," where the engine runs continuously and charges the battery.

Kris

Mmhmm, keep going...

Donald

For city cruising, you’ve got "EV mode," which runs purely on the electric motors. But if you're ready to push it, there's "Race Plus"—it activates all the active aerodynamics, lowers the car, and tightens up the suspension. And then there's "Strat 2."

Kris

Wait, wait. Strat 2? Sounds like a cheat code or something.

Donald

It kind of is. It's like F1 qualifying mode. Every motor fires at full power, and the suspension gets super stiff. It's pure performance. Finally, there’s "Individual" mode, where you can mix and match settings however you like.

Kris

Man, every one of those sounds like a ride I’d I’d wanna try right now. Let’s just go steal one of the 275—I mean, borrow it, you know?

Donald

I’d like to see you try, Kris. But yeah, it’s designed for the ultimate driving experience. And when you’re in "Race Plus" or "Strat 2," those active aerodynamics come into play to keep it glued to the road. You’re not just driving the AMG ONE. You’re connected to it.

Donald

Speaking of being connected to the car, Kris, let’s dive into the aerodynamics. The AMG ONE has these active elements that adjust based on how you’re driving. For instance, there are movable slats above the front wheel arches that literally channel air to improve stability. And then there’s the two-part rear wing—

Kris

Wait, two parts? Like, what are we talking here? One lifts, the other... what?

Donald

Exactly. One part pops up for downforce, and the other adjusts for drag reduction. Oh, and the front diffuser has active flaps that open or close depending on the mode you're in. It’s all about maximizing either speed or grip, depending on the situation.

Kris

Man, this thing's like a transformer. It’s always changing.

Donald

In "Race Plus" or "Strat 2," it’s fully optimized for performance—downforce levels go through the roof in corners. It keeps the car planted when you need it but lets you tear down a straight without slowing you down.

Kris

That’s nuts. I mean, it’s like a—okay, it’s like a jet on wheels, the way it adjusts for airflow. But get this, Donald, this reminds me of when I did that racing camp last year? We tried these super stripped-down racers where it was only about function; no fluff, you know?

Donald

I remember you mentioning that. So, did the AMG ONE's minimalist interior catch your eye then? I mean, fixed bucket seats, carbon everywhere—it’s built for purpose.

Kris

Oh, 100%. Like, no wasted space. The seats don’t even move! You just adjust the pedals and steering. And the steering wheel—it’s literally an F1 wheel. All those buttons... like, it’s speaking my language!

Donald

Exactly. Even the digital displays are no-nonsense. Just the essentials: speed, RPM, driving modes—it’s all you need to feel completely in control. It’s not built to impress with luxury, but man, the precision? That’s the whole idea.

Kris

It’s like, if you’re sitting in that car, you know exactly what you’re about to do—drive fast. No distractions, nothing getting in the way of the experience.

Donald

And the engineering behind it is just as focused. The carbon-fiber monocoque, for instance—it’s light, stiff, and acts as the backbone for everything. Without that, you don’t get the razor-sharp handling or the performance.

Kris

Yeah, yeah, it’s like—what is it—oh, like shaving off every ounce so every move you make gets translated straight to the road. Zero wasted effort.

Donald

Exactly. It’s all precision, Kris. And when you put it together—active aerodynamics, that monocoque chassis, the powertrain—it creates something that’s not just fast, but utterly precise.

Kris

So Donald, with all this tech and precision packed into the AMG ONE, I can’t help but wonder—275 units, that’s it? I mean, it’s practically a masterpiece, but what’s the deal here? Exclusivity, or is there something more to it?

Donald

Pretty much, Kris. It's a classic formula for creating a collector's item. You produce a limited number, slap on a price tag—what was it, €2.75 million?—and suddenly you’ve got something that's not just a car, but a status symbol. And the fact that it’s road-legal with Formula 1 tech just makes it even more irresistible to enthusiasts.

Kris

Right, like, "You can’t sit with us" vibes. But for real, who’s buying this?

Donald

Oh, trust me, Kris, I’ve seen these people up close. There was this hypercar gathering I went to a few weeks ago, and you would not believe the buzz about the AMG ONE. These buyers are a mix of serious collectors and die-hard performance junkies. Some of them already own multiple hypercars—Paganis, Bugattis, you name it. The AMG ONE? It’s like the final infinity stone in their collection.

Kris

Man, that’s wild. And I bet they don’t even drive them, right? Just park it in a showroom and stare at it?

Donald

For some, yeah, but not all. There are folks who’ll push these cars to their limits, track days and all. Cars like the AMG ONE demand to be driven. It’s not just art; it’s engineering meant to be experienced. At the same time, its rarity creates this kind of cultural ripple—it defines trends. When AMG pulls off something like this, it either sets a new bar or inspires competition to catch up. That trickles down to the rest of the industry.

Kris

Yeah, I’m guessing even regular car tech is gonna feel the AMG ONE effect, huh?

Donald

Oh, absolutely. Think about it—Formula 1 hybrid systems in a street car. We’re seeing advancements here that could shape the entire landscape of electric and hybrid vehicles down the road. It’s leading by example in terms of what’s possible when you go all-in on innovation.

Kris

Man, that’s a mind trip. Like, what we’re seeing now with these hypercars is what everyone else is gonna be driving in, what, ten years? Maybe twenty?

Donald

Exactly. And, Kris, it’s not just about speed. The culture around these cars elevates everything—how we view performance, luxury, and even sustainability. It shows that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.

Kris

Right, it’s like this perfect storm. Insane power, crazy tech, and then wrap it in exclusivity. I mean, you’re not just buying a car—you’re buying a legend.

Donald

Well said, Kris. And that’s what makes the AMG ONE so special. It’s not just a milestone in engineering; it’s a moment in time. Something people will talk about for decades. Honestly, it’s a privilege to even geek out about it like this.

Kris

For real. Alright, Donald, I think that’s about all for today. But man, what a ride!

Donald

Agreed. And on that note, folks, thanks for tuning in. Remember, whether it’s an AMG ONE or your first dream car, it’s all about the passion that drives us.

Kris

It really has. And to everyone out there, If you enjoyed this story, subscribe and leave us a review. And if you've got a Mercedes-Benz story of your own-we want to hear it. visit us at Golden state M B Car Club dot com and go to Echoes of unity tab

Kris

Until next time.

Donald

Drive with purpose, live the legacy, and enjoy the journey

Kris

This is Driven by Legacy.