Mercedes-AMG Exploring E-Turbo Engines

[DJRaze99]

Audi recently revealed its RS5 TDI Concept. The next-generation Audi Q7 is hyped as the first production car to be equipped with the electric turbocharged engine.

Not to be outdone, Mercedes-AMG seems to be considering on putting e-turbo engines on its future cars, in addition to its plan to incorporate several Formula One technologies to its upcoming road vehicles. Jochen Martin Schmid, the chief of the powertrain development division of AMG, confirmed through an interview with Drive that they are looking to investigate the benefits of e-turbo engines.

According to Carbuzz, the new technology will further enhance the fuel-efficiency features of AMG cars and allow a lower-rev engine boosting. That means more mileage per gallon and better drag for future Mercedes cars.

Currently, the Audi concept car with e-turbo uses an advanced electric compressor. This eliminates all the turbo lag by ensuring that the smaller of the two turbochargers is always spolled up, explained GT Spirit. It ensures that power is available as soon as the throttle pedal is stepped on, it added.

The effect of the e-turbo to the RS5 TDI Concept car is mostly on the torque. While the next-gen car of Audi retains its 380 hp, its torque is likely to be dramatically increased to a whopping 553 lb-ft. As a result the concept car can hit 100 kmph in just a span of four seconds and reach a top speed of 280 kmph.

On the fuel-efficiency part, the new tech should enable Audi’s new auto to consume less than five liters of diesel in every 100 km under an average cycle.

 

[Rolf]

I think this is a very good idea. I wouldn't be surprised that this will eventually replace standard turbochargers in the future as it will help to solve the one fundamental problem of turbo's low rev's turbo lag/response. Also with electric motor compressors they will be able to vary the boost or turbo thrust at various revs to provide improved low speed and high speed response. The boost will most probably be higher than standard turbo's due to the assistance of the electric motor's ability of high revolutions per minute.

 

[DJRaze99]

Future Mercedes-AMG models likely to get e-turbo technology

Not expected before 2017

An AMG representative has acknowledged e-turbo technology is being considered for future models.

Speaking to Auto Express, Mercedes-AMG's boss for compact car development Steffen Jastrow said they are evaluating the implementation of electric turbos to lower fuel consumption and emissions without affecting performances. He went on to specify their next-gen compact models must have more power and one way to do that is by using an e-turbo.

They are already using the technology in motorsport, but Jastrow says they must find a way to make it affordable for a road-going production car. Once they will achieve this, the high-powered AMG models will benefit not only from lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels, but also from better performances thanks to a reduced turbo lag. There's also the advantage of being more compact compared to a conventional turbocharger.

The British magazine estimates Mercedes-AMG won't implement e-turbo technology sooner than the fourth generation A-Class due after 2017. However, it makes more sense that e-turbo will be inaugurated on bigger and more expensive models in the range, with one possible candidate being the all-new E-Class rumored to receive a quad turbo 2.9-liter straight-six diesel engine with two e-turbos delivering in excess of 400 bhp (298 kW).


Source: autoexpress.co.uk