Mercedes-Benz' New Turbo V-8 Engines
Today, Mercedes-Benz revealed more details about its V-8 engine lineup. The two new V-8 powertrains promise more power, improved emissions and better fuel efficiency.
The more important of the two is the new twin turbo 4.6-liter V-8. It will replace the successful 5.5-liter V-8 that powers most Mercedes with the “550” behind their class designations.
The engine’s decreased displacement is offset by the power boost of the twin turbochargers, which have a fairly high 10.5-to-1 compression ratio. The 4.6 promises 10 percent better fuel economy while producing 30% better torque. In the 2011 CL500, it produces 429 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque. That’s 12% better power and 32% better torque than the outgoing 5.5-liter V-8 found in the 2010 CL550. This engine will likely find its way into the E-Class and the S-Class in the near future.
The second new powertrain is AMG’s new twin turbo 5.5-liter V-8, which replaces the regularly aspirated AMG 6.3-liter V-8 in the 2011 CL-Class, upcoming S-Class AMG and likely other AMG vehicles in a year’s time. It features direct injection and start-stop technology. This system still requires the use of a starter motor, but Mercedes says future systems may need no starter motor at all.
The 5.5-liter will produce 536 hp and 590 pounds-feet of torque in the 2011 CL63 and S63, which is 3% more power and 12% more torque than the outgoing 6.3-liter.
The 2011 CL-Class goes on sale in November and will be the first to offer both new engines. The 2011 CL550 will start at $114,025, with the 2011 CL63 AMG at $151,125 and the 2011 S63 AMG sedan at $138,875 (gas-guzzler tax and destination fee not included). For additional information about the refreshed CL-Class, go here.
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Typically, automotive journals don't refer to turbochargers' "compression ratios" or "regular" aspirated engines. Also, 590 lb-ft is 27% more than 465 lb-ft...
That's right. 10.5 to one probably refers to the compression ratio of the engine itself. Turbo performance is commonly described in pounds of boost. It would be somewhat unusual to have that high a compression ratio on a turbo boosted engine, but perhaps the turbos are light pressure turbos and the engine will burn premium fuel only. That type of setup would favor better mpg figures.
Ok so why not CL460? Why CL500? I don't understand why sometimes the numbers match the engine liters and other times it makes no correlation at all. Same thing with BMW's. At least with Lexus you always know what size engine it has in it. Retarded.
I believe V8 are pretty amazing.. ive seen some cars in action having this engine..