Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-AMG to launch new eTurbo tech on next-generation performance models

The first electrified AMGs are on their way, starting with this electric-motor turbocharger ready for use in its new models

Mercedes-AMG has announced details of a new form of high-performance engine tech ready to be integrated into its next-generation models. Called an eTurbo, AMG has collaborated with famed turbine manufacturer Garrett in the development of this new electrified turbo, which aims to take advantage of the enhanced electrification of Mercedes-Benz’s new models not just for better economy, but performance gains too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The system works fairly simply by the turbo itself being fitted with a small, high-powered electric motor that itself spins the turbine within the turbo housing instantly when throttle is applied, essentially eradicating turbo lag right at its source. The electric motor requires the extra grunt of a 48V secondary electrical system, as many integrated starter motor and generators require in most mild-hybrid powertrain set-ups, but with a majority of the Mercedes range converting to this type of electrical architecture, the applications for this new eTurbo are widespread.

Other manufacturers such as Audi utilise similar types of turbo lag mitigation systems, but these usually integrate the use of an electrically driven supercharger to force compressed air into the cylinders before the turbos have a chance to spin. This creates extra complexity within the induction system, and the corresponding boost at low-rpm is still lower than the output of the conventional turbos that quickly take over the job once the exhaust gases have started spinning the turbos. AMG’s system essentially cuts out the middle man, directly spinning the rotor wheel from the small electric motor.

The system will be most effective on large-scale turbochargers, as big turbos are more susceptible to lag thanks to the large-diameter turbines that need more air from the exhaust to get them going. As well as improving response, it should also further flatten the engine’s torque curve at very low revs.

Mercedes-AMG has remained coy about the prospective models we could expect to see this technology in, but in theory it could negate the need for more complex and highly strung solutions that the industry at large has employed over the last 20 years, such as sequential turbocharging or even the very in vogue hot-V turbocharging layout.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats
Best Mercedes AMG models
Best cars

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats

From track-honed supercars to thundering sports saloons, Mercedes-AMG has produced countless performance car icons over the years. These are the best …
25 Jun 2025
Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring
HWA Evo front
News

Your move, Singer: HWA to race the Mercedes 190E Evo restomod at the Nürburgring

The makers of the Mercedes CLK GTR and Pagani Huayra R’s screaming V12 are taking their modern take on the iconic Mercedes 190E Evo II racing
19 Jun 2025
Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing
Mercedes-AMG electric SUV front
News

Mercedes-AMG’s 1000bhp Lotus Eletre fighter spied testing

Don’t ask and ye shall receive, as development of Mercedes-AMG’s monster performance electric SUV continues at pace
5 Mar 2025
From V8s to solid state: Mercedes’ future powertrains will be diverse
Mercedes EQS solid state battery mule
News

From V8s to solid state: Mercedes’ future powertrains will be diverse

EQS test mule will evaluate new solid state battery tech co-designed by Mercedes F1 partner, while elsewhere in Affalterbach, a new V8 is prepared
26 Feb 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?
Lotus factory
Opinion

Can Lotus survive its latest crisis?

Lotus’s latest troubles are grabbing headlines, but the writing’s been on the wall for some time.
28 Jun 2025
Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week
evo eras 1990s
Features

Iconic cars of the 1990s driven, from Renault Clio 16v to Ferrari 355 – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we go back to the 1990s on the finest Welsh roads with a selection of iconic youngtimers
27 Jun 2025