Mercedes-AMG Apparently Developing 1,300hp Hypercar For 2017

The impending Aston Martin Red Bull AM-RB 001 may soon have a competitor from Mercedes-AMG, if new reports are to be believed.

Sources close to the company from GTspirit report that Mercedes’ performance division is developing an advanced hypercar, potentially dubbed the R50 and if accurate, it will be a step above the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari.

The car will apparently adopt a hybrid powertrain consisting of two electric motors driving the front wheels and each delivering 150 hp. Amazingly, these motors could be joined by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine tuned to deliver a frankly ridiculous 1,000 hp, making for a combined 1,300 hp.

Like the AM-RB 001, Mercedes-AMG will also target a 1-to-1 power-to-weight ratio likely restricting the car to the 1,300 kg mark. Helping to achieve such a figure will be an advanced carbon fiber monocoque.

Elsewhere, the car could include rear-wheel steering and an advanced adaptive suspension system able to control each wheel individually. When combined with a narrow two-seater cockpit, carbon fiber body panels and advanced aerodynamics, the Mercedes-AMG R50 Hypercar could become a game-changer just like the AM-RB 001.

Given the company’s current dominance in Formula One, it certainly has the technical know-how to create such a model, just like Red Bull Racing.

When launched, the car may be priced between 2 and 3 million euros.

Note: SL GTR by Mark Holster pictured