Published May 16, 2012
By Huw Evans
Mercedes says it is introducing a range of new engines for its latest A-Class in Europe, three gasoline motors and two diesels.
All have been designed to meet stringent Euro 6 emissions requirements, while delivering superior fuel economy compared with their predecessors. In fact, Mercedes says that the 1.8 and 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engines, will achieve 62 miles per gallon and 55 mpg respectively. The 1.8 will be offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox in the A-Class or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 2.2-liter diesel will only be offered with the automatic. In terms of emissions output, both deliver low ratings, 98 grams per CO2/km and 112 grams per CO2/km respectively.
In order to help achieve these low smog ratings, Mercedes-Benz says that modified air ducting for the turbochargers has been introduced on both engines; along with high and low pressure EGR circuits. As far as the latter is concerned, filtered exhaust gases are drawn downstream of the diesel particulate filter by the low pressure EGR system, which are then cooled and passed through a valve back into the intake tract.
As for the new turbocharged direct-injection gas engines, these come in 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter forms and are said to deliver 43 mpg and 39 mpg respectively. Key features on these motors include auto stop/start technology, newly developed piezo fuel injectors, which deliver gasoline faster and more precisely into the combustion chamber; rapid multi-spark ignition designed to optimize combustion and reduce fuel economy; plus, on the 1.6-liter engine, CAMTRONIC technology which promotes earlier intake cut off and valve lift adjustment, designed to reduce throttle loss under part engine load.
Although Mercedes has yet to confirm whether any of these engines; nor the A-Class they power will be arriving stateside, the company has said a range of small cars will be heading to our shores. As a result, given tightening fuel economy standards here, there’s probably a very good chance the A-Class and at least a couple of these new engines will make the grade.
Green Car Congress
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