Mercedes-AMG's first standalone electric car is a 1000hp supersaloon
It will be AMG's first standalone electric car. Blending huge power with grand touring luxury, it will take aim at Porsche Taycan Turbo S, E-Tron GT RS Performance and Lucid Air.
The rakish four-door will not rely on AMG EQ underpinnings. Instead it will utilise AMG's bespoke AMG.EA platform, designed for electric performance. Power comes from Yasa's axial-flux motors that are said to be compact, lightweight and potent. A twin-motor set-up should generate 1000bhp (746kW) and 1357Nm so it could be AMG's most powerful road car ever. Earlier reports suggested a sprint time of around 2.2sec to match that of the top Taycan.
Styling is based on that of 2022's Vision 2025 concept. Spy shots indicate a rakish design with a long bonnet, low-set stance, and aggressive aero features. A Kamm tail (abrupt cut-off) is a new Mercedes-AMG feature. Generous overhangs should combine to create an elegant and sophisticated silhouette. A retractable spoiler and flush door handles are likely. Six-ring tail-lights, 21-inch wheels, race-inspired diffusers, and a split rear window are likely to make it to production.
AMG says it will be as quick in corners as it is in a straight line, offering what they describe as genuine engagement. Expect rear wheel steering and active roll control, if not a fully active system like Porsche uses.
With twin rear-mounted motors like in the One-Eleven concept, it should have decent luggage space and comfortable rear seating, just like AMG GT 4-Door buyers expect.
The move to pure EV comes as the V8-powered GT 4-Door eases its way out of existence. However, AMG says this new model won't just replace it. They suggest it will redefine AMG performance for the electric era.
A full reveal is locked in for June, with a production version expected to follow soon thereafter and likely before year's end.
This has the promise of being the boldest statement yet from the Mercedes performance arm. A related high-performance electric SUV, also previewed by the Vision 2025, will likely follow next year, further cementing AMG's electric future.
AMG isn't just aiming to rival the Taycan and Lucid Air. It wants to lead the way in this rarified sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
03-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Formula 1: Liam Lawson's statement to Red Bull bosses with win in Max Verstappen battle
And with a month off before the season resumes in the Netherlands, Lawson can lap up some due accolades over the coming weeks. Here's what we learned in Hungary. Victory over Verstappen When Lawson took sixth in Austria, as Red Bull's best car, that came off the back of Verstappen being taken out by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. This time, the world champion has no excuse. As the lights went out, Lawson got Verstappen off the line and held the position into turn one, even if he lost that place on the second lap. But once Lawson made his one-stop strategy work and grabbed hold of eighth, Verstappen – even with a faster car, fresher tyres and the ability to use his Drag Reduction System (DRS) – couldn't get around the Kiwi. On top of the four points to Racing Bulls' cause, being the best Red Bull car is another huge tick in Lawson's column for where he'll end up in 2026. The Herald understands he'll definitely be on the grid, but suggestions he'll stay at Racing Bulls as a leader might have been premature. Now, he has evidence in the fact that – when things are in his favour – he can go toe to toe with arguably the best to ever do it. What's more, new Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies also had a front-row seat. If things can continue at this rate, Lawson could well be racing Verstappen in the same car, rather than an inferior one. Has Hadjar's balloon burst? As has now been the ongoing narrative of the season, Lawson's promotion hopes have again been boosted by beating his teammate, Isack Hadjar. It's now been five grands prix since Hadjar scored a point – conveniently overlooking his sprint race result in Belgium – having flown out of the blocks in 2025. Since the Monaco Grand Prix, though, Lawson has outscored Hadjar 20-15. But it's not just what Hadjar's doing, or not doing, it's how he's doing it. In England, he ended his own race by crashing into the back of Kimi Antonelli. In Belgium, he complained of a power unit issue, before finishing last on track. Then, in Hungary, he was outqualified by Lawson then got stuck in traffic attempting to undercut him. Form in motorsport can be hard to find and easy to lose. That form, though, is now firmly in Lawson's favour. Make no mistake, Hadjar rightfully leads Lawson in the drivers' championship, given his better results over the course of the first 14 races of the year. However, in a sport where recency bias is so significant, only time will tell who the summer break has come at the right time for. Corner turned There's no doubting it anymore. While Lawson's start to 2025 left a lot to be desired, the results of the past three months show that he's not just back to his best, he's finding new levels. Lawson's junior career successes were built off the back of his aggression, his ability to overtake drivers. Now, if Belgium and Hungary are anything to go by, his defence – being able to keep positions from faster cars behind – has come to the fore. Part of the reason why Red Bull have always rated the Kiwi so highly is because of the similarity he has to Verstappen. And while that didn't eventuate by being able to extract the same performances out of the troublesome RB21, Lawson is showing that there is still a quality driver in there. While Lawson himself has asserted his confidence wasn't hit by being demoted so suddenly by Red Bull, it's only natural that results did suffer. Now, though, it looks as though a serious corner has been turned. One-stop wonder Of the four times Lawson's finished in the points, three of them have come off the back of a one-stop strategy. The exception – Monaco – was only such after the FIA changed the regulations to ensure a second pit stop was required to try to alter what's become the most predictable race on the calendar. One-stop strategies aren't easy for scoring points. A driver will have to get through a long first stint, with ageing tyres, and hold as many positions against rivals pitting and therefore gaining an advantage once they've made their stops. While risky, the flipside is that the driver will gain track position, if they can make it work. That's only half the battle, though. Once a driver has taken their one and only stop, they still have to overtake any drivers who passed them while in the pits – admittedly with the advantage now in their favour. Making that advantage count has become Lawson's bread and butter. In Hungary, Lawson beat not only Verstappen's Red Bull, but Sir Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari and Antonelli's Mercedes – all faster cars than the Racing Bulls. If Racing Bulls are to score points in the second part of the season as convincingly as they did in the first, they've now got as good a blueprint as any to make it happen. Back to where it all began For those of us who stay up to ungodly hours watching these races, the summer break can't come at a better time. And after we've had a good four weeks' rest, the season will resume at Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. Aside from the obvious storyline of McLaren potentially wrapping up the constructors' title on Verstappen's home ground, there's a nice bit of symmetry for Lawson. Zandvoort is where his Formula One career began, when he filled in for an injured Daniel Ricciardo in 2023. On that occasion, Lawson finished a very credible 13th place, with next to no practice time, and qualifying at the back of the grid. Now, nearly two years on, here's hoping his experience in motorsport's pinnacle can see him carry on what we've seen in recent weeks. Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
RNZ News
31-07-2025
- RNZ News
F1: Max Verstappen confirms he will stay at Red Bull next year
Max Verstappen is staying with Red Bull next year. Photo: Photosport Four-times Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has ended speculation about a move to Mercedes next season by confirming for the first time that he will race on with Red Bull. "I think it's time to stop all the rumours. For me, it was always quite clear that I was staying," the Dutch driver told reporters on Friday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. "And that was the general feeling in the team because we are always in discussion about what we could do with the car and when you're not staying you stop talking about these kind of things. And I never did." Formula 1 starts a new engine era next year in a major shake-up that could change the pecking order, with Mercedes expected to lead the way while Red Bull are making their own power unit after a split with Honda. Reigning champion Verstappen has known break clauses in his contract but they have not been triggered, with the 27-year-old third in the standings at the mid-point and with two wins from 13 races. It was widely accepted in Formula 1 that Verstappen would be staying, with the rumour-mill already turning to a possible exit from Red Bull in 2027 with performance clauses again applying next year. Verstappen otherwise has a Red Bull contract that runs through 2028. The sacking of Christian Horner last month as Red Bull team boss was also widely seen as another step by the energy drink company to convince the sport's most sought-after driver to stay with them. "Some people just like to stir the pot, some people just like to create drama. But, for me, it's always been quite clear," said Verstappen. George Russell of Mercedes and Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Photo: AFP Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last week that retaining his current lineup of George Russell and Italian Kimi Antonelli was a priority. Russell told reporters separately at the Hungaroring that he was sure to be racing for Mercedes next year but nothing would be signed until after the August break, which follows the Hungarian race. While Russell's current deal expires at the end of the year, he has been under a management contract with Mercedes since he was 16 - meaning his employers are effectively negotiating with themselves. "Conversations have started but we are now heading into the summer break," said Russell. "Toto and I have spoken a lot this week but we haven't spoken once about the contract because we're both trying to solve the car's performance and get the team in the right place. "And I personally want to go into the summer break and enjoy the only two weeks off I have in the year and I do not want to be thinking about contracts," he added. "There is not really a major time pressure now from my side, nor from Mercedes' side." Meanwhile, Ferrari has announced a multi-year contract extension with Formula 1 team boss Fred Vasseur, ending immediate speculation about the Frenchman's future at the helm of the sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous constructor. Vasseur, 57, has been in the post since the beginning of 2023 and was key to persuading seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton to join from Mercedes this season. His tenure was questioned earlier in the year with reports suggesting Ferrari had sounded out Christian Horner, the Briton who was sacked by Red Bull this month and has yet to comment on what he will do next. "Today we want to recognise what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved," said Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna in a statement. "It reflects our trust in Fred's leadership, a trust rooted in shared ambition, mutual expectations and clear responsibility." Speaking to reporters later, Vigna said it was always accepted that it would take more than three years to turn things around and denied approaching anyone else. "Let's say we have never spoken with other team principal candidates," he said. Ferrari are second in the championship after 13 of the season's 24 races but a massive 268 points adrift of dominant champions McLaren. Hamilton, the most successful driver in the history of the sport with 105 wins, has yet to stand on the podium for his new employers although he did win a Saturday sprint in Shanghai in March. - Reuters
RNZ News
24-07-2025
- RNZ News
F1's Spa weekend kicks off a new era for Red Bull
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the Belgium Grand Prix. 2024. Photo: Thomas Maheux/ / PHOTOSPORT Formula 1's Spa weekend marks a new start for Red Bull and reigning world champion Max Verstappen as the team go racing for the first time without Christian Horner at the helm. The Briton's sudden sacking after a 20-year reign of rare success, including the most dominant of seasons in 2023, has had the sport buzzing for weeks with plenty of questions to be asked in Belgium. A Saturday sprint will be the first race of new boss Laurent Mekies' tenure and the change, and how it affects four-times world champion Verstappen's future, remains the big talking point of the moment. Horner has made no public comment and Red Bull's preview for the 13th round of the 24-race season made no mention of him. Mekies, promoted from Racing Bulls who have handed over the reins to Alan Permane, arrives with Red Bull fourth overall and Verstappen a distant third in the drivers' standings behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. That intra-team title battle is likely to have some extra sizzle at Spa-Francorchamps as Norris seeks a third win in a row - new territory for the Briton - and the chance to take over at the top. The sprint format offers more points than usual and Norris, whose mother is Belgian, is only eight behind the Australian going to a high-speed track that is a favourite for most drivers. Piastri, despite his generally unruffled exterior, may also be still simmering at the 10 second penalty that cost him a win in Britain and handed victory to Norris. He will want to hit back as Formula 1 kicks off a Belgium/Hungary double-header - the first fast and often wet while the second is twisty and hot - before the long August break. George Russell, his contract expiring at the end of the season and in danger of losing his Mercedes seat to Verstappen or having him as an uncomfortable teammate, is also not short of motivation. The Briton was stripped of victory last year at Spa when post-race checks found his car to be underweight, handing victory to then-teammate Lewis Hamilton in what remains the seven-times champion's most recent win in F1. Ferrari have yet to triumph, other than a Shanghai sprint, since Hamilton moved from Mercedes to Maranello in January but they are gathering momentum. The Italian team are second overall and Charles Leclerc has secured three podiums in the last five races while Hamilton was fourth at Silverstone. New Zealand's Liam Lawson wil be planning to get back into the points after lasting just one lap at Silverstone when he was hit by Esteban Ocon. New Zealand driver Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls. Photo: ANTONIN VINCENT / PHOTOSPORT Lap distance: 7.004km. Total distance: 308.052km (44 laps) 2024 pole position: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull one minute 53.159 seconds* 2024 race winner: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes** Race lap record: 1:44.701, Sergio Perez (Mexico) Red Bull 2024. Start time: 1300GMT (1am Monday NZ time) *Verstappen was demoted to 11th on the grid for the use of an additional power unit element. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc started on pole. **Mercedes' George Russell finished first but was disqualified for having an underweight car. Teammate Hamilton was promoted from second. The grand prix is the third sprint weekend of the year, with qualifying for the sprint on Friday and the 100km race on Saturday before qualifying for Sunday's main event. There is no Belgian driver on the starting grid but Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris have Belgian mothers. Verstappen was also born in Belgium. This will be the 70th Belgian Grand Prix and 58th at Spa. Spa is the longest lap in F1, with the fewest laps, and one of the fastest with an average speed of around 230km/h. Cars can hit 315km/h at Blanchimont. Three current drivers have won at Spa: Hamilton (2010, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024), Leclerc (2019) and Verstappen (2021, 2022, 2023). Michael Schumacher won a record six times at Spa, including from 16th on the grid in a wet 1995 race. Hamilton can equal that tally this year. McLaren's Oscar Piastri leads teammate Lando Norris by eight points. Verstappen is third and 69 points off the lead. In the constructors' standings, McLaren (460 points) are now 238 points clear of second-placed Ferrari (222), with Mercedes third (210) and Red Bull fourth (172). Spa last year was Hamilton's most recent win and the record-extending 105th of his career. He has made 368 starts. Piastri has won five of 12 races this season, Norris four, Verstappen two and Russell one. Norris is going for three wins in a row for the first time in his career. Verstappen has won 65 grands prix and is third on the all-time list after Michael Schumacher on 91. Norris has eight career wins, Piastri seven. McLaren have had five one-two finishes this season, including the last two races. Piastri and Verstappen have been on pole four times this season and Norris three, Russell once. The McLaren drivers have each finished on the podium 10 times in 2025. Charles Leclerc's second place in Monaco remains Ferrari's best of the season so far. Hamilton has yet to stand on the podium for Ferrari. Piastri is the only driver to have scored in every race this season. The Australian has scored for 38 race weekends in a row, if sprints are included. Only one driver on the grid has yet to score - Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto. This weekend will be the first grand prix since 2004 without Christian Horner in charge at Red Bull. Mercedes' Toto Wolff (since 2013) is now the longest-serving principal. Nico Hulkenberg's third place for Sauber at Silverstone, the last race before Spa, removed his unwanted record of being the most experienced driver never to stand on the podium. He did so in his 239th race. The record reverts to fellow-German Adrian Sutil, who made 128 starts with a best result of fourth. Mercedes are marking their 600th grand prix weekend as an engine supplier. Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda is making his 100th start. - Reuters
