Garrett Supplied Electric Turbochargers Part of AMG’s Future
New turbochargers poised to deliver extra power and improved fuel economy to upcoming AMG models.
Automakers are constantly developing new technologies to make their cars more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. As an added benefit, some of those innovations promise an extra dose of power too. Mercedes-Benz introduced a number of vehicles recently that fulfill those lofty goals. And pretty soon AMG branded models will also boast some pretty nifty tech too. That will come in the form of a nifty new turbocharger.
In a recent announcement, Mercedes-Benz revealed its plans to equip electric turbochargers from Garrett on future AMG models. While we don’t have specifics yet, the new tech is extremely promising. Basically, vehicles equipped with the new turbos will be faster and less prone to any type of lag. They’ll deliver more power too. It’s a win-win scenario.
Tiny Motor, Big Promises
Conventional turbochargers operate by channeling exhaust gas into an outlet that funnels air into the engine. The end result is increased power compared to a naturally aspirated engine. Unfortunately, they are dependent upon the exhaust at all times. Which is why Mercedes and Garrett introduced an electric motor into the mix. Situated directly on the turbocharger itself, the 1.6-inch motor operates independently of the engine or the circulation of gas. Essentially, an electrically powered turbocharger does not need input from the driver to activate. Obviously, any vehicle equipped with the technology will still respond to what the driver wants. But without the need for exhaust gas, the electric motor can deliver power immediately. That’s a huge advantage over transitional units because it will most certainly eliminate any type of lag.
Additionally, the concept of anti-lag becomes a reality. Turbocharger lag exists because conventionally powered units are forced to wait for throttle input. With the addition of an electric motor, that no longer has to happen. The vehicle can still supply boost event without any type of input from the driver. Ultimately, that means an engine can deliver extra boost at idle. Car and Driver pointed out that certain AMG models already feature a similar system. Instead of an electric motor, models like the 2020 AMG E 53 Cabriolet come equipped with an electrically powered supercharger. The new system basically cuts out the middleman by mating the motor to the turbo itself. Those combined units eliminate the need for any type of supplementary supercharger.
Practical Applications
As it stands right now, the e-turbo technology only exists on the upcoming AMG One. But this latest announcement makes explicit the company’s desire to see the tech spread to less expensive models. At some point in the future it will most likely make its way into non-AMG Mercedes-Benz vehicles too. But for now only performance models will utilize it. What does that mean in the short term? Potentially even more potent powertrains. The current CLA45 AMG S makes an impressive 416 horsepower and 369 Ib-ft of torque out of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder. Imagine what adding the electric motor could do for such a formidable powerplant!
Additionally, there’s potentially a hidden announcement contained within this latest bit of news. The e-turbo setup uses a 48-volt system to power the electric motor. That means future AMG models will come equipped with a battery supplying the same amount of power. That’s a big upgrade from the traditional 12-volt system included in most cars currently on the road. And it might indicate that Mercedes-Benz is looking to supplement their existing engines with mild hybrid technology. A mild hybrid, like the setup used in many FCA branded vehicles, combines a suitcase-sized battery with a 48-volt electrical system to power a vehicle at low speeds. As a result, the internal combustion engine is less stressed and more efficient.
That being said, simply having an electrically powered turbocharger is a technological feat for any type of vehicle. And for the AMG lineup, expect to see a power boost on future models. We can’t wait to see what the company has in store for us!
Photos: Mercedes-Benz