Mercedes-Benz to Turbocharge Mainstream Models

Turbocharging technology is on the rise amongst mainstream automakers.

During the ‘80s, many manufacturers employed the boost-generating devices to create more power out of smaller engines. General Motors, Saab and Chrysler brought turbos mainstream, offering them on everything from compact cars to minivans. Through the ‘90s and ‘00s, turbo usage died down in North America, but thrived in Europe as an accessory to the diesel engine. But now, with the increased price of fuel and pending issues regarding taxation for carbon dioxide and fuel economy, turbochargers are back in the limelight.

Ford and General Motors have both committed to producing small displacement turbocharged engines which will be used in mainstream vehicles, starting as soon as next year. One brand that has traditionally avoided turbos has been Mercedes-Benz, with the exception of its ultra-expensive 600-series S, SL and

CL-Class vehicles, and the 65-series AMG S, SL and CL-Class cars. Currently the brand features large displacement naturally aspirated or supercharged gasoline engines, but this will change soon.

According to Mercedes-Benz R&D chief, Dr. Thomas Weber, the brand will have turbocharged power available on all models by 2011 at the latest. Like the aforementioned brands, the reasoning behind the move is similar; downsized capacities, fewer cylinders, better fuel economy and lighter curb weights. This trend will be combined with a variety of other fuel economy-enhancing strategies including the use of hybrids (2 Mode Hybrid included), fuel cell and electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has also committed to its part diesel, part gasoline engine, which it dubs “DiesOtto”.