With ever tightening fuel economy standards manufactures are forced to look at new ways to increase mileage without sacrificing performance. After all part of the luxury equation is a big powerful motor. But with out a big V8 how can you step forward in mileage without taking a step back in performance? The answer currently in favor now seems to be smaller displacement turbocharged models.
Even hard core manufactures such as BMW, are rethinking basic core philosophies. BMW previously described turbocharging as unacceptable and lazy and uninspiring way to gain horsepower, BMW is now singing a new tune. With a widely heralded 6 cylinder turbo already in the line up, and rumors surfacing a 4 cylinder variant is on the way, BMW has performed an about face over the last three years and has embraced a tried and proven technology.
But what about the others? Will Mercedes Benz extensive experience in supercharging now yield to a new generation of ultra efficient turbocharged gasoline motors? The rumors are already flying.
Audi is moving this direction in a big way, in many ways already leading the pack with turbocharged technology. Expressing their confidence in the technology there are actively moving many the S models to twin turbocharged V6s from larger V8s. Sammler displacement models abound all with turbocharging as standard. Audi it seems, has seen the writing on the all and fully committed to turbocharging most of the line in some form of another.
The Japanese tend to take more of a wait and see attitude, moving much slower in embracing expensive technology. The view here in many cases is we will follow after you make the mistakes.
But should Lexus try a technology that while proven requires an elevated technical aptitude from the service technicians? After all Lexus is in a bit of a quandary, most of the service procedures are similar to the lesser Toyota variants, but the service cost of a Lexus can rival and in some cases exceed those of the competition. Adding complexity of this magnitude can only exasperate this situation. Plus with the recent Hybrid improvements they may not feel the need to make a foray into the turbo world. But I have to admit a turbocharged hybrid motor will appeal to many.
Acura is also moving into the fold slowly with their first turbocharged model the RDX, but Infiniti is not showing any indication of changing from large displacement V6’s to smaller power plants. Possibly a egregious error on their part. After all gas prices are rising, and you aren’t going to improve mileage that much with a large displacement motor.
So in the luxury car market, will we see turbocharging gain more acceptance over the next decade, and will who will get left behind?