Mercedes-Benz will phase out its supercharged “Kompressor” engines and adopt turbocharging throughout its range, the manufacturer’s engine development head, Juergen Frey, says.
Mercedes-Benz will phase out its supercharged “Kompressor” engines and adopt turbocharging throughout its range, the manufacturer’s engine development head, Juergen Frey, says.
The new A-Class range will include a two-litre turbocharged engine that will be fitted in other line-ups. Apart from the turbodiesel engines, the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach V12 petrol engines are currently turbocharged.
Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Frey was quoted as saying: “Turbochargers are superior to superchargers in terms of noise and cost. When we introduced the supercharged engines it was the right decision. Turbocharging has greatly improved in the meantime, and we have virtually no turbo lag any more.”
Turbocharging is said to be making a comeback, it is claimed that when combined with a smaller engine, the forced-induction component can reduce overall fuel consumption and help the manufacturers meet increasingly stringent emissions legislation.
About 40 per cent of petrol-engined cars sold in Europe are expected to be turbocharged by 2008.