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Mercedes-AMG: Electric turbos coming soon

Technology from the Project One is going to trickle through the AMG range soon,


Mercedes-AMG will look to electric turbochargers in its next-generation models, as it looks for new ways to up power without sacrificing efficiency.

Although the current range of AMG 53 models rely on an electric compressor to drive the turbocharger at low engine speeds in a move to bust lag, the range-topping AMG 63 range blends a 4.0-litre V8 engine with conventional turbos.

"There's more to come, wait and see," Tobias Moers told media at the New York motor show. "Electric turbochargers," he went on.

When he says electric turbochargers, Moers is referring to something a bit different to what's currently used on the AMG 53 line-up.

Developed for the AMG One, the system relies on a 90kW electric motor on the shaft linking the exhaust and intake sides of the petrol engine, allowing the compressor to hit 100,000rpm.

“Hybridisation, electrification is going to be the key in performance," Tobias Moers has previously told CarAdvice.

"Knowing that we have the most efficient combustion engine with the V6, in terms of power, knowing that we have a very successful F1 powertrain setup, it’s a great idea to have a hypercar driven by that powertrain," he went on, discussing the AMG One's complex powertrain.

The battery pack and electrical architecture required to drive such a system is heavier, more expensive and more complex than that used on the AMG 53 inline-six, which relies on its EQ Boost starter generator to augment the turbocharger at low engine speeds before cutting out when the engine is up and spinning.

According to the AMG boss, proper electric turbochargers – the likes of which will debut on the AMG One for Mercedes – are yet to reach production.

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