Cars are complex machines. Even if there isn't a highly complex Formula 1 engine behind the seats. Just ask Mercedes-AMG.
In their One hypercar, hybridization adds another layer of complexity and contributes to the need for a major engine overhaul (essentially a new engine) every 50.000 kilometers. Mercedes-AMG has had to overcome many obstacles in developing its F1 road-going car. Even after years of delays, the problems haven’t ended. In May 2023, a car caught fire in a closed trailer.
Two years later, another Mercedes-AMG One appears to have gone up in flames. In the age of artificial intelligence, it’s not always easy to verify what appears on social media, but this video appears to be genuine. We did our duty of care and asked Mercedes if the footage of the hypercar in flames was real. Until we hear back, a certain amount of skepticism is certainly in order.
Little information is available about the accident, but given the surroundings and the appearance of the ambulance, it appears to have taken place in Germany. The AMG One in question also has an Oldenburg registration plate. After some searching, we found more videos of the vehicle from before the tragic event. The dark green example was on display at the Techno Classica in Essen in April.
The firefighters responded quickly, but it was clearly too late. One of only 275 AMG Ones ever built is likely history. The footage shows what remains of the fastest production car on the Nürburgring. In this condition, it will probably be difficult to identify the model or even the brand.
As for the cause of the fire, it's tempting to blame the complex hybrid configuration. But it's unclear whether the battery or the complexly designed 1,6-liter V6 engine is to blame. Most importantly, the driver stopped and exited the vehicle before it was fully engulfed in flames. Hopefully, all passengers were unharmed.
The license plate strongly suggests that this is a customer vehicle and not a prototype. Mercedes test vehicles usually have the registration plate “LB” for Ludwigsburg, as AMG’s headquarters are located in Affalterbach, a municipality in the Ludwigsburg district.
