Mercedes to Downsize Engines

The push by governments around the world for stricter emissions regulations for new cars has all carmakers, from mainstream makes like Toyota and GM all the way up to exclusive brands like Mercedes-Benz and even Ferrari, working on new methods to clean up their act. One trend we’ve already started to see is the downsizing of engines. Both Ford and GM, for example, are starting to phase out their big V8 engines in favor of more economical V6 engines. Mercedes on the other hand is developing new technologies to boost the output of its compact four-cylinder engine range – the Diesotto being the most recent development.

Mercedes development chief Thomas Weber expects to see the trend towards smaller engines continue, especially with fuel prices continuing to rise ever steeper. Speaking with AFX reporters during the Detroit Auto Show, Weber said Mercedes “will strongly force the trend in downsizing” – for both diesel and petrol models. He went on to claim the past decade’s trend for larger and more powerful engines would be sharply reversed – bold statements from an exec whose company seems intent on shoehorning a V8 engine into almost its entire lineup.

One of the first steps, Weber revealed, will be the use of A- and B-Class engines in the larger C-Class range. After that, three-cylinder turbocharged engines ranging from 1.4 – 1.6L in capacity are a very real possibility. We suspect if Mercedes can pull it off other luxury makes will follow suit.
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silver1 - 1/15/2008 11:47:34 AM

+1 Boost

The World will be driving slower and less powerful cars

pushrod27 - 1/15/2008 3:12:09 PM

+2 Boost

It's really sad. I am dreading the day i can no longer enjoy the massive thrust and seductive rumble of a huge gasoline V8 motor.

Htay7500 - 1/15/2008 2:00:39 PM

+6 Boost

they might want to think about their weight too.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 5:19:56 PM

+1 Boost

^!!!!!!!!!

autopro - 1/15/2008 2:53:08 PM

-4 Boost

hybrid is the way to go.

pacotacolol - 1/15/2008 3:37:40 PM

+7 Boost

diesel

w209w114 - 1/15/2008 4:47:22 PM

+1 Boost

Diesel Engines which charge a Lithium Ion Battery which in urn powers the car's electric motors (instead of the engine like a typical hybrid) Thats the way to go

hondacaf1 - 1/15/2008 3:41:30 PM

0 Boost

are you speaking of a freaking production car? complete w/ a backseat, AC and stereo? sounds like a road trip instead to me

jeez, drive a clumsy V8? what for? jump into a 125cc shifter and you'll appreciate what the Schumachers and Alonsos do for a living.

if you were a REAL driver, you'd take your game to the track and run open wheelers.

w209w114 - 1/15/2008 4:53:35 PM

+5 Boost

Thats true. I have a pretty powerful car myself and I was looking forward to the increase when I bought it. It was fun for a few months but then reality sunk in. I am spending over $50 every 4 days on gas on regular and local commutes (not terrible but definitely more than I would like) Plus I dont really ever floor the car, and when I do its only for fun.

My Lease is over in May and Im hoping to dare I say, "downgrade" to something more economical within the Mercedes brand of course.

The good old days of cheap gas are gone never to return again, and automakers are starting to realize that customers like myself are looking for more sensible fuel efficient vehicles.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 5:22:23 PM

+2 Boost

I'm even filling up my A3 every week now that winter has come along. It averages 22-26MPG per tank, from mostly stop-and-go highway/city driving. It's a little ridiculous that a 3200lb 2.0L hatchback has to be filled that often... and it's also ridiculous that it costs over $30 per tank.

Htay7500 - 1/16/2008 3:02:55 PM

+1 Boost

roskos got a point, its also a bit of a shame that MB doesn't offer the V6s on their S-classes, that is, if they bring more of their diesels. you'll only see that in Asia, where engine displacement is heavily taxed. I guess its the image here. people in the US get scrawny about having a 4-cyl, etc in these cars. it doesn't matter for the rest of the world.

VISO - 1/15/2008 6:34:39 PM

+1 Boost

Get over it S4! I have an A3 2.0T for my daily commute in heavy LA traffic and I fill up every week for about the same price. I average about 26 mpg. Get a Smart if you want 40 mpg and see all the SUVs with soccor moms barrel down on you on a LA freeway. No thanks. With the A3, I know I am safe - that is what counts the most and I still get Audi luxury.

Yes, it will be a shame if the V8s, V10s, or W/V12s disappear. In general, people have other cars for communiting, so the polluting aspect is exaggerated on these types. I mean I would hope no one commutes in a V12.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 9:54:02 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not angry about the A3. I'm angry about the prices. A car like this would've cost $15 to fill up fifteen years ago.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 9:54:59 PM

+1 Boost

^Actually, less than that... that would be with a completely empty tank, which doesn't happen.

Heyhuub - 1/16/2008 7:59:41 AM

+2 Boost

YOu're angry about a 30$ fillup? Filling up my tank will cost me 70,- Euros. That's 100,- U.S $

skinny - 1/15/2008 6:47:13 PM

+1 Boost

It's about time someone some automakers will start to use smaller engines again. The Horsepower wars have gotten ridiculous! Mainstream family cars with V6 engines were fine at 200bhp now the Camry and Accord are closing in on 300bhp. it's quite ridiculous, since 90% of Camry/Accord buyers rarely use even half of the available BHP.

autopro - 1/15/2008 7:17:15 PM

+2 Boost

W209 you may have a point,diesel with electric motors hybrid may be the ticket.We must improve infrastructure on diesel gas stations,too hard to find.

w209w114 - 1/15/2008 11:39:23 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks Autopro. The diesel engine only used to power/charge the batteries (never turning the wheels) would mean completely changing the entire setup of the car as we know it and I dont know how long it will take or how costly of a commitment the automakers are willing to accept. But its definitely a good solution.

jag30 - 1/15/2008 8:09:51 PM

+2 Boost

I hope and pray we don't see v8 engines disappear! I dread thinking Ill wind up driving behind some old maid or pacing a soccer mom in a 4cylinder or even v6! I love the power of a v8! People talk about green, green, and Al Gore! Please, I choose to drive a v8 and always will!

E55AMGS600 - 1/16/2008 11:57:03 PM

+1 Boost

I agree
People need to live closer to cities, not 50 miles away from town in massive suburbs. Then you can have the fun of driving a real motor like V8/V12 with less gas cost, instead of being forced to drive some cheap utilitarian econobox.

skippee - 1/16/2008 1:15:39 PM

+1 Boost

All you guys that enjoy the "thrust" of a good ole V8 go ahead and do so...just dont b$#tch about gas prices! Im sure V8s and V12s and all that will never die as long as there is demand for them...but at the same time, people are getting wiser and figuring out gas prices will never come back down...only go up and now are demanding cars with better fuel economy.