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08.08.04, 22:43
Mercedes will add a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the A Class
subcompact that debuts in Europe this autumn.
"Turbochargers are superior to superchargers in terms of noise and cost,"
said Juergen Frey, head of engine development for the A class. "When we
introduced the supercharged engines it was the right decision. Turbocharging
has greatly improved in the meantime, and we have virtually no turbo lag
anymore."
Mercedes plans to introduce an entry-level B Class model in the United States
next year. It would be based on the A class, but it is not clear whether a
turbocharged version will be available.
Jim Resnick, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, declined to comment on
the company's U.S. plans.
Turbochargers are cheaper than superchargers for gasoline engines. Turbos
also generally deliver better fuel economy. That's why turbochargers are
making a comeback in Europe. Teamed with smaller gasoline engines,
turbochargers will help automakers meet stricter carbon dioxide emission
rules that take effect in Europe in 2008.
Turbocharged gasoline engines became popular in the early 1980s, when
Renault, Mitsubishi, Volvo and Saab adopted them. Their popularity faded
because of high fuel consumption, lack of engine responsiveness and
reliability problems.
Modern turbochargers have reduced the delayed throttle response of earlier
models. Supplier Robert Bosch predicts that 40 percent of gasoline-powered
cars sold in Europe will be turbocharged by 2008.
Mercedes and Maybach models equipped with V12 gasoline engines already use
turbochargers. As Mercedes switches to turbochargers, it eventually will stop
using the supercharged engines it markets under the name Kompressor.
Kompressor