Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Mercedes working on new inline-six engines

Mercedes-Benz will make a return to the inline-six-cylinder engine game, according to a report from the UK's AutoCar. It's not clear what's prompting the phasing out of the current array of V6s.

We'll see the first inline-six from Mercedes in next-generation E-Class, set to debut in 2016. Following that, it'll arrive as part of a mid-cycle refresh for the C-Class in 2017. What's particularly special about the new inline-six is its modular nature, which will allow Mercedes to eventually spinoff three- and four-cylinder options, with the three-pot arriving alongside the new inline-six.

In other news, AutoCar uncovered some details on the next C-Class AMG, which will ditch its excellent 6.2-liter, AMG V8 in favor of a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8, although we've already told you about that. What we didn't know at the time, though, was that the 4.0-liter would be paired first with a new, seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and offer all-wheel drive. AC also reports that a nine-speed Speedshift is in the works.

While the AMG news is exciting, the three-cylinder is the big news. So far, the premium brands have largely been limited to turbocharged, four-cylinder engines. If Mercedes makes a move to three-pots, it could mean big things in the push to downsize power plants.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/in...ht-six-engines

TangoRed

Benz insiders have been reporting this for about 2 years. Interesting they're going to a modular engine system- I vaguely recall Mazda saying that's exactly what they didn't want to do due to compromises made doing such a thing. In any event, I'm sure this will be good for NVH.

STIG

That's great. I6 is my favorite configuration, and I am glad that they are going back to I6 instead of V6s.

Sulu

During an earlier period, MB made 90-degree V6 engines to allow for modularity with their V8 engines. Now it wants to make I6 engines to allow for modularity with I4 and I3 engines. That is truly a sign of the times.

ISF350

... back to the basic. Cool for me

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Will someone make a Inline 8 again already

SteVTEC

Yes indeed, but I fully welcome more Inline-6 engines.

I've noticed that since the E350 came out, both 268hp port and 300+hp direct injected variants, that few if any E-class owners have opted for the V8 engines anymore. Enough are more than satisfied with the 350, it seems. BMW is certainly getting maximum economies of scale with this approach also.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

the v8 is nearly dead. thanks epa...

but on a more positive note. the lexus 3.5 v6 is probably the most refined in the world. but there's something about inline 6's...

Och

iTrader: (3)

The V8 isn't dead at all, go drive any of the German twin turbo V8's and tell me how dead it is. I see far more V8 BMW's on the road today than ever before as well, even despite the fact that 6 cylinder models are every bit as powerful as V8 models just a few years ago - before turbos became the new trend.

Inline 6 probably makes a lot of sense for MB since they introduced inline 4 engines in their lineup. This way the inline 4 and inline 6 can share components (inline 6 is probably going to be inline 4 with two additional cylinders) and V8 can remain exclusive. They are going to save a lot of money by having two basic engine designs instead of instead of three like they have now with i4, v6 and v8.

Och

iTrader: (3)

A V6 is already not an ideal design, and a 90 degree V6 is just dreadful.

I8ABMR

I am so happy to hear this. I miss the power and smoothness of the inline 6s. Great configuration.

Infra

iTrader: (1)

Or more likely people don't need a V8 when a V6 is making the same power a V8 did 10 years ago (you know, when they were popular). A 2003 BMW 540 made 290 HP.

TT V6s are making significantly more power than a 2010 BMW 550i (which was 360 HP to refresh memories). The CLA45 AMG makes 360 HP from a 2.0T.

Technology has killed the V8. Not the EPA.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

EPA forcing technology has killed the V8

Blackraven

Question:
When it comes to six-cylinder engines, is there really a right-or-wrong approach? (with regards to the method used be it inline/straight or V-configuration or Horizontal/Boxer)

SteVTEC

V-6 engines have been favored by the industry because they take up a lot less space, can easily be deployed in both transverse and longitudinal mounted applications, and have greater flexibility in displacement. And if they're designed with a 90-degree V angle you can share the architecture with V-8 engines, which is exactly what Mercedes had done for awhile. But a 90-degree V6 requires a balance shaft, which isn't ideal. 60-degree V6 engines are preferred and narrower and don't require a balance shaft, but still have end-to-end vibrations. Most people are pretty happy with V-6 engines, but they're not as refined and lack the character of Inline-6 engines, imho. If V-8 engines are becoming less popular in favor of a heavier mix of 4 and 6-cylinder engines, and most of your cars are designed for longitudinally mounted engines where an Inline-6 is more feasible, then a common architecture between I-3, I-4, and I-6 makes sense. When it comes to turbocharging, an Inline engine is also preferred as it makes the plumbing easier and more packaging friendly overall.