Formula 1 tech for next-gen Mercedes-AMGs

The Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar and its Formula 1-derived V6 may have been delayed to 2021, but Daimler’s performance car brand has detailed a new electric turbocharger that it says was derived straight from F1 – and it will soon be available in a showroom near you.

We’ve seen electric turbo tech before – in the epic ‘world-first’ triple-turbo diesel 4.0-litre V8 powertrain of the Audi SQ7, which incorporates a motor-driven turbo that spins up to 70,000rpm to fill the torque gaps left behind by its pair of conventional exhaust-gas turbochargers.

But unlike Audi’s e-turbo and the 48-volt electric compressor technology found in a range of inline-six Mercedes-AMGs including ‘53’ models, the new AMG e-turbo continues to be driven primarily by exhaust gases.

Therefore AMG says it’s closer in execution to the ‘MGU-H’ system seen in F1 – and the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

In this case, a slim electric motor measuring just 40mm helps drive a conventional exhaust turbo directly, and is said to deliver quicker throttle response and eliminate turbo lag, thereby enhancing driving feel and dynamics.

The tiny electric motor is fitted directly onto the charger shaft between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side.

The result, AMG says, is that the combustion engine responds more immediately to accelerator pedal inputs, and also boosts outright acceleration from a standing start because more torque is produced at low engine speeds.

Even when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator or applies the brakes, Merc says its new electric turbo maintains boost pressure at all times, guaranteeing continuous response at all engine speeds.

Thus AMG claims it resolves the “conflicting goals between a small, fast-reacting turbocharger which achieves relatively low peak performance and a large turbocharger with a high peak performance”.

Capable of spinning at speeds of up to 170,000rpm, enabling a “very high rate of air flow”, the new turbocharger, electric motor and power controller are all connected to the combustion engine’s cooling system to maintain optimum operating temperatures.

Developed with Garrett and now in the final stages of production, the new AMG e-turbo also requires 48-volt electrical power, meaning it could form part of the first mild-hybrid system expected to be applied to AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

The next model due to be released with that engine is the facelifted Mercedes-AMG E 63, making it the most likely candidate to debut the new technology, although it could also be applied to the upcoming AMG GT R Black Series.

Outgoing Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers says the new e-turbo technology, marks AMG’s next step in electrification – which will include the 450kW Mercedes-AMG EQS electric limo.

“We have clearly defined our goals for an electrified future. In order to reach them, we are relying on discrete and highly innovative components as well as assemblies. With this move we are strategically supplementing our modular technology and tailoring it to our performance requirements,” he said.

“In a first step this includes the electrified turbocharger – an example of the transfer of Formula 1 technology to the road, something with which will take turbocharged combustion engines to a previously unattainable level of agility.”