Mercedes-AMG Ponders E-Turbos for Compact Cars

Daimler AG is considering the use of electric turbochargers for high-performance AMG variants of its Mercedes-Benz small cars, reports Auto Express.

Steffen Jastrow, who heads Mercedes-AMG's compact car development, tells the U.K. enthusiast publication that electrically powered turbochargers could enable the use of downsized engines without sacrificing performance.

E-turbos use an electric motor to drive a compressor that forces air into the intake manifold at very low engine speeds. This curbs traditional turbo lag and reduces fuel consumption while boosting power.

Daimler already uses e-turbos in some motorsports applications. Jastrow says the cost of these systems would have to be reduced to make them viable for production vehicles.

Auto Express speculates that Daimler could introduce the technology in 2017 on the next-generation Mercedes A-Class compact car and its AMG variant. The current CLA45 AMG model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

Audi also is readying an e-turbo system for its next-generation Q7 crossover vehicle that's due in 2016. That would make the Valeo-supplied system the first e-charger in a production model, according to media reports. Several other automakers, including Ford and Honda, also are said to be exploring the potential for electric turbochargers.