A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Mercedes-AMG has once again raised the bar of automotive performance, this time with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, a technology pioneer that has obliterated long-distance records and proven the endurance of the brand’s upcoming all-electric architecture.
At the Nardò high-speed test track in Italy, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX covered a staggering 5,479 kilometers in 24 hours – smashing the previous EV benchmark by more than 1,500 km.
But that was only the beginning. Over an eight-day marathon, the car clocked 40,075 kilometers – the equivalent of driving around the world – in just seven days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds, well under its target of eight days.
The feat required relentless speed and charging cycles. Drivers maintained 300 km/h for nearly all of the run, stopping only to recharge with an average power of 850 kW, far beyond what today’s public charging network can deliver.
Two cars completed the test, finishing just 25 km apart after more than a week of non-stop running.
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Mercedes' mission revealed
Mercedes executives hailed the achievement as proof of the brand’s future readiness.
Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer, said: “Now, with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology programme, we are entering a new dimension of performance – this time with fully electric drive.
"Our mission: to redefine the very standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations.”
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, stressed the importance of drivetrain innovation.
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“An AMG has always been defined by its drivetrain. In the electric world, too, our drive system must be convincing across the board.
"That’s why we’re the first manufacturer to use axial flux motors and directly cooled batteries in fully electric models.”
Russell left stunned by Mercedes' new car
Mercedes F1 driver George Russell, who also took part in the test, was equally impressed.
“The axial flux motors respond as immediately and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, but with an endurance that I have only ever experienced with combustion engines.
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"This technology will revolutionise the driving experience – both on the racetrack and on the road.”
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