Mercedes-AMG is about to introduce a new electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharger system to its upcoming performance vehicles.
This F1-derived technology will replace the conventional exhaust-driven turbos used by the firm in its 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 4.0-litre V8 engines.
Co-developed by Garrett Motion, the new turbo system operates differently from the electrically assisted compressor used on AMG’s hybrid 53 models. The electric compressors in the latter are more akin to superchargers and are not exhaust-driven.
The incoming technology employs an electric motor located on the turbocharger shaft, sited between the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel, boosting induction. A 48V electrical system provides the juice for the motor that is used to drive the compressor wheel ahead of the exhaust gas flow, thereby minimising turbo lag.
Evidently the new turbocharger can operate at up to 170,000rpm, the upshot being a much higher rate of gas flow. The entire unit is thermally protected by the engine’s cooling circuit.
AMG’s chairman Tobias Moers – who is soon to be heading up Aston Martin – said this technology
“will take turbocharged combustion engines to a previously unattainable level.”
Mercedes-AMG claims
“significantly improved response from idle speed, as well as across the entire engine speed range”.
It adds that higher torque at lower engine speeds improves acceleration capability from standstill and offers enhanced agility.