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Mercedes-Benz is developing a ‘green’ engine combining the advantages of a petroleum unit and the high-torque and fuel economy of a state-of-the-art diesel.
“Our goal is to make an engine that uses conventional petrol as economical as a diesel but with low nitrogen oxide emissions,” says Johannes Fritz, director, sales and marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Middle East.
The 1.8 litre ‘DiesOtto’ engine that is currently being tested has a very respectable output of 238 hp and a maximum torque of 400 newton metres with a fuel consumption of less than six litres of petrol per 100 kilometres.
“We believe that vehicles equipped with petrol engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets especially in the Middle East where fuel is relatively inexpensive,” added Fritz.
“However, in line with forthcoming regulations to reduce Co2 emissions, we will concentrate on both engine types, including a full hybrid option for diesel and petrol vehicles.”
Some of the intermediate solutions such as direct fuel injection, are already in series production at Mercedes-Benz while others will be integrated into future production engines.
