A flash of automotive extravagance recently appeared in the Vendée region of France, turning heads and sparking curiosity. Spotted near the harbor of Les Sables-d’Olonne, the vehicle in question isn’t just any car – it’s a Mercedes-AMG One, a hypercar valued at approximately €2.7 million. The sighting, first noted by the Instagram account Les Sables Auto 85, highlights the exclusivity and engineering marvel that is this limited-production vehicle.
The Mercedes-AMG One isn’t simply a luxury car; it’s a rolling testament to Formula 1 technology. What sets it apart is its powertrain: it’s the only road-legal car equipped with a genuine Formula 1 engine. This 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine is paired with four electric motors, delivering a combined output of 1,063 horsepower. The complexity of its design has led its creators to call it the most complicated car in the world, a claim that speaks to the immense engineering challenges overcome in its creation. The price tag reflects this intricacy, with the base model starting around €2.7 million, before any personalized options are added, according to Mercedes-AMG’s official website.
A Local Owner and a Unique Acquisition
The owner of this particular Mercedes-AMG One is Ronan Chabot, a resident of Les Sables-d’Olonne, and the vehicle is part of the portfolio of his company, Groupe RCM. Groupe RCM, a Vendée-based organization, confirmed the acquisition, stating that the hypercar has been integrated into its heritage collection. “The Mercedes-AMG One is a hybrid hypercar inspired by Formula 1,” Groupe RCM noted in a statement on its website, RCM-Saga. “It combines a 1.6-liter turbo V6 engine with four electric motors, for a total power of 1,063 horsepower now integrated into the RCM heritage.”
With only 275 units produced globally, the Mercedes-AMG One is an exceptionally rare sight on public roads. Its presence in the Vendée region is therefore noteworthy, attracting attention from car enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Filming for French Television
The appearance of the hypercar in Les Sables-d’Olonne wasn’t a spontaneous drive. According to reports from Ouest-France, the vehicle was participating in the filming of an upcoming episode of the M6 television program, Turbo. The episode will focus on the Mercedes-Benz brand and is scheduled to air on Sunday, March 29th, in the late morning.
This isn’t the first time the Mercedes-AMG One has graced the screen. In January 2025, the car was featured on TF1’s Automoto program, during a celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary. For that segment, the show secured exclusive access to the Ajoncs airport in La Roche-sur-Yon, where professional driver Anthony Beltoise reached a speed of 310 km/h, as documented in a YouTube video of the event.
The Engineering Behind the Beast
The development of the Mercedes-AMG One was a complex undertaking, directly influenced by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. Bringing Formula 1 technology to a road-legal vehicle presented significant hurdles, particularly in adapting the engine for everyday use and meeting emissions regulations. The engine itself, derived from the 2016 championship-winning F1 car, required substantial modifications to ensure reliability and drivability outside of the racing environment. The hybrid system, incorporating four electric motors, further complicated the engineering process, demanding innovative solutions for thermal management and energy recovery.
The car’s construction also involved advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Extensive use of carbon fiber contributes to its lightweight design, while the intricate aerodynamic elements are designed to maximize downforce and stability at high speeds. The interior is equally sophisticated, featuring a minimalist design and high-performance seats tailored for both comfort and support.
What’s Next for the Hypercar?
Following its filming appearance on Turbo this Sunday, the Mercedes-AMG One will likely return to Groupe RCM’s collection. The company has not announced any immediate plans for public display or further events featuring the vehicle. However, given its status as a unique and highly sought-after automobile, future appearances are certainly possible. The broadcast of the Turbo episode on M6 will undoubtedly generate further interest in the car and its groundbreaking technology.
The Mercedes-AMG One represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, a fusion of motorsport innovation and road-legal practicality. Its presence in the Vendée region offers a rare glimpse into a world of extreme performance and technological advancement.
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