Mercedes-AMG overhauls engine line-up

The never-ending quest for more power means Mercedes hot tuner AMG is set to evolve through another generation of engines led by an all-new four-cylinder under development for the second-generation MFA2 models led by the next A-Class.

That in turn will have ramifications for the AMG V8, which in simplistic terms in the current generation is effectively two 2.0-litre four-cylinders combined.

On top of that AMG will follow the rest of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range in evolving from the current V6 turbo-petrol engine to an inline six-cylinder.

As reported yesterday in our piece on AMG’s decision not to build a new-generation E 63 coupe or convertible, the replacement for the current ‘43’ V6 AMG models is likely to be an inline six-cylinder hybrid signified by a ‘50’ badge.

On top of that, electrification will deliver more opportunities for more power, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed to Australian media during a roundtable at the Detroit motor show this week.

Moers revealed that work on a new four-cylinder was underway and that it would stay at 2.0-litre in capacity for regulatory reasons.

The current M133 unit powers the all-wheel drive A, CLA and GLA 45 and produces 280kW and 475Nm.

Power levels are likely to climb beyond 300kW, presenting a hefty challenge for the likes of the Audi RS 3 and BMW M2.

“There will be a new engine [for MFA2],” Moers confirmed.

“The engine as it is now is really stretched itself. The layout of the car is going to be changed a little bit -- things like that is going to be happening.”

The second-generation MFA line-up will roll out from 2018. Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed plans to expand from five to eight model lines, with an A3 sedan rival, mini-G-Class SUV and one another as yet unknown model to join the A-, B-, GLA- and CLA-Class sedan and wagon. Only the B-Class is certain not to get the AMG treatment.

Moers confirmed a dual-clutch automatic would remain the transmission of choice for the MFA2 models, but left open the option of adding more gears than the current seven.

Moers confirmed the development of that engine would have implications for the dry-sump M178 'hot vee' V8 used in the GT models – with the R producing 430kW and 700Nm – and the wet-sump M177, which makes 450KW and 850Nm in the new E 63 sedan.

“We have shared technology between the four-cylinder and the V8 and maybe in the future.

“Shared technology is always sensible.”

Unlike the four-cylinder, Moers made it clear the current V8 still has performance upside, but would not be drawn on how much.

“I don’t speculate,” he said. “There is still a little bit of room, but there are competitors on the outside and I don’t put that on the list.”

Moers was unwilling to discuss AMG’s plans for the petrol inline six-cylinder, which makes its debut with electric turbocharging in the tech-laden new S-Class in the second half of 2017.

“It [inline six] is not that far away,” Moers said.

Moers said he saw no ceiling for power outputs, especially with the arrival of electrification in its various forms, including electric-supported turbochargers.

“Electrification of powertrains and drivetrains gives you extra power and gives you extra efficiency,” he said.

“That from my perspective is the next level. “There is always room for improvement, always a chance to push that little more.

“But it’s not all about 0-100, it’s all about driving dynamics on the racetrack and it’s all about everyday driveability.”