EvoAudi
EvoAudi
Open to-Anything Prefer-Euros, Imports. Favorite Upcoming Car-Hyundai Genesis Coupe
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: Mercedes to Downsize Engines

Tag Link: Mercedes to Downsize Engines

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. Read Article
Mercedes to Downsize Engines



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
silver1silver1 - 1/15/2008 11:47:34 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The World will be driving slower and less powerful cars

reply to this comment
pushrod27pushrod27 - 1/15/2008 3:12:09 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/15/2008 2:00:39 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
they might want to think about their weight too.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 5:19:56 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
^!!!!!!!!!


autoproautopro - 1/15/2008 2:53:08 PMView My AgentSpace
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
hybrid is the way to go.

reply to this comment
pacotacololpacotacolol - 1/15/2008 3:37:40 PMView My AgentSpace
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
diesel


w209w114w209w114 - 1/15/2008 4:47:22 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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


hondacaf1hondacaf1 - 1/15/2008 3:41:30 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.


reply to this comment
w209w114w209w114 - 1/15/2008 4:53:35 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 5:22:23 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
Htay7500Htay7500 - 1/16/2008 3:02:55 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
VISOVISO - 1/15/2008 6:34:39 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 9:54:02 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2008 9:54:59 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
^Actually, less than that... that would be with a completely empty tank, which doesn't happen.


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 1/16/2008 7:59:41 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
YOu're angry about a 30$ fillup? Filling up my tank will cost me 70,- Euros. That's 100,- U.S $


skinnyskinny - 1/15/2008 6:47:13 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
autoproautopro - 1/15/2008 7:17:15 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
w209w114w209w114 - 1/15/2008 11:39:23 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.


jag30jag30 - 1/15/2008 8:09:51 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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!

reply to this comment
E55AMGS600E55AMGS600 - 1/16/2008 11:57:03 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.


huu76huu76 - 1/16/2008 12:03:46 AM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Since when is a B-class exclusive? Hmmm, sounds a lot like me saying the CTS should get a 2.4L Ecotec and hybrid system.

reply to this comment
skippeeskippee - 1/16/2008 1:15:39 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the 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.

reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 1/19/2008 6:15:56 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Rosko,
A V6 and Hybrid Camry costs more than a B-class. That's when.

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
First Audi A5 Convertible Photo Leaks- Should It Have Been A Hardtop?GM Says It Will Sacrific SAAB, Saturn, Hummer, And Hobble Pontiac For Federal FundsNissan Sales Sour By 44.4% In November: Infiniti Drops 28.0% UPDATED: Audi Sales Ends The Free Ride By Skidding 25.4% In NovemberDETROIT AUTO SHOW: Audi Flexes It's Muscle And Is Set To Debut V10 R8 Sports-CarHonda Civic sales down nearly 30%, Toyota Highlander sales up nearly 50%Chrysler Outpaces GM To The Bottom Of The Heap: November Sales Fall 47%Ford Asks Congress For $9 Billion In Stand By Credit But Has No Plans To Use ItGM Sales Out Does Them All In A Bad Way: Sales Implode 41.3% In November2010 Nissan GT-R Spec V Reportedly Will Cost $160,000 but Not Get More hpJaguar and Land Rover in Big Trouble as Tata on the BubbleMercedes Benz Sales Crumble 38.2% In NovemberMazda Sales Tank 31.3% For NovemberHyundai Makes Everyone Else Look Good In November By Falling 40%Porsche and BMW to Halt Production Honda Sales Falter 30.6% In November: Acura Freefalls 38.9%The World Bids Farewell to the YugoBMW Sales Plummet 36.1% Mini Sales Explode 43.1% In NovemberGM Ceases All Corporate Jet Flights: To Sell Remaining JetsToyota Sales Spiral In November Down 33.9%: Lexus Basement Bound Down 34.7%FOMOCO Sales Continue To Flatline: Down 30.6% In NovemberVolkswagen Finally Fumbles In 2008: November Sales Drop 19.2%Japanese and South Korean Car Sales Plummet in NovemberComparison Test: 2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63The Big Three Bailout According to SNLNissan 370Z goes from 0 to 60 in the same time as the BMW M3Mulally chooses Escape Hybrid for D.C. road tripFisker to unveil production Karma Hybrid in DetroitToyota Halts Production And Cuts Management Bonuses To Maintain Positive CashflowChrysler says 2011 Charger and 300 will pass fuel-economy standards2009 GMC Yukon XL DenaliFORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?Industry Sales Likely To Be Down 28% In November GM May Fare WorseLotus Evora order list includes 007 and Top Gear hostsEveryone Is On A Budget, But Are These 5 Your Choice To Keep Living Large?Could The Detroit Recovery Plan Really As Simple As Merging In To One?Fiat Abarth 500 receives Top Gear’s “Best Hot Hatch” awardDetroit Tells UAW They Can No Longer Pay For Idled Workers To Play Checkers2010 Porsche Panamera auto show debut delayedSwedish Government Confirms Discussions With Volvo and SAABBMW not putting MINI E into mass-productionTop Gear Car of the Year 2008 award goes to VW SciroccoNew Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ-400: Limited Edition with 405HP2009 Nissan 370Z Driven in Japan2010 Jaguar XF-R spotted nearly finishedUAW wants limits on carmakers' executive payDoes It Hurt The BMW Brand Image When They Are Being Sold At Costco?2008 Essen Motor Show: Vw unveils Touareg North Sails EditionCarlsson releases limited edition automatic watchVideo: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabrio in action