The Concept AMG GT XX beat the world record by traveling the circumference of the earth in less than eight days
Mercedes-Benz
Since the Concept AMG GT XX completed 40,075km – the circumference of the earth – in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds, Mercedes-AMG is now lifting the lid on the technology that made the world record breaking journey possible.
Three axial flux motors and a direct cooled battery allowed the vehicle to average a speed of 300km/h to complete the distance in under eight days. A sophisticated cooling system was implemented to allow the vehicle to charge at 850kW and manage onboard heat generation. This was achieved using a passive cooling plate under the car and a direct liquid cooling for the battery. The control system allowed maximum cooling to all components and targeted cooling for individual components as required.
Concept AMG GT XX racing at the Nardò Ring
Mercedes-Benz AG
Controlling drag and aerodynamic performance was a key part of the design. When the vehicle is traveling at 300km/h, an estimated 83 percent of the drive energy is used to overcome drag. Mercedes-AMG achieved an impressive drag coefficient of 0.19. The team calculated that a drag coefficient reduction of 0.001 is roughly equivalent to reducing vehicle weight by 90kg when driving at 300km/h.
The vehicle features a complex aerodynamic design
Mercedes-Benz AG
Additional high tech features in this project included an augmented reality racing helmet, ergonomic 3D seat pads, and biotechnology-based materials. Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes‑Benz Group, chief technology officer, development and procurement said: “Mercedes‑AMG and Formula 1 stand for innovation, intense competition, and pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible.
“Our powertrains have been delivering groundbreaking success since the very first road races in automotive history more than 120 years ago, setting benchmarks for decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes‑Benz was a regular guest here at Nardò, setting numerous international speed and track records – most notably with the C111 as a visionary technology program.
The Concept AMG GT XX set the record for the longest distance ever covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours.
Mercedes-Benz AG
Schäfer contined, “Back then, we demonstrated the performance capabilities of innovative diesel and petrol powertrains. Now, with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology programme, we are entering a new dimension of performance – this time with fully electric drive. The goal is to redefine the limits of what is technically possible in the age of electric drives. So what could be more fitting than to go chasing records once again?
“Our mission: to redefine the very standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations. The motivation and dedication of the cross-functional team from Mercedes‑AMG, Mercedes‑Benz, Mercedes‑Benz Mobility, and our F1 engine experts at Mercedes‑AMG High Performance Powertrains throughout the entire preparation phase were boundless. I am immensely proud of the unprecedented achievement of the entire team in this unique record drive.”
Augmented reality technology was a key part of the project
Mercedes-Benz AG
Michale Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes‑AMG and head of business units Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class and Mercedes‑Maybach added: “At AMG, innovation has a clear purpose: it must deliver performance for our customers. That’s why many of the technologies from the CONCEPT AMG GT XX will soon make their way into our production vehicles.
“At the heart of this is, of course, the revolutionary drive concept featuring axial-flux motors and a directly cooled battery, both of which will be available as early as next year. In addition, we are leveraging the data gathered in Nardò to further refine our upcoming high-performance architecture, AMG.EA. Our customers will benefit from an entirely new dimension of sustained electric power.”