Could the DiesOtto engine spell the end of MB diesel offerings? Or is it just hype? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

H-townbenzoboy · #1 09-09-2007, 05:29 PM

I searched the forums and was surprised that this hasn't been discussed yet. Not too long ago according to the MBCA-Houston newsletter, MB unveiled the new "DiesOtto" engine. It's a gasoline engine that incorporates both Otto cycle and sparkless combustion. On startup and at foot to the floor acceleration, the engine runs in "petrol mode". This means it's using spark plugs to ignite the gas during those times. Once the engine is warmed up and at cruise, it runs in "diesel mode". The compression ratio is raised and the spark plugs are deactivated. The engine has four cylinders, displacement is 1.8L, has twin turbos, direct injection, puts out 230bhp and 295 FtLb of torque. MB thinks it could get 40mpg out of this engine in a car the size of a S-class. This engine will deliver good power, and diesel like economy with lower emissions than a diesel engine, it could see production in 2012. It's supposed to be unveiled in the new F700 concept car in Frankfurt later this year. So what do you all think, is it the greatest thing since sliced bread and will spell the end of CDIs and Bluetecs? Or will it be a repeat of the MB rotary engine concept of the late 60's? (ie: Highly anticipated, but doesn't make it to production).

#2 09-09-2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

The compression ratio is raised...

That is the problem. There isn't a way to reliably and cheaply raise the compression ratio. That's why they are introducing it in their S-Class. It will be a decade or more, if at all, before we see this technology trickle down.

Saab tried that a long time ago with a movable engine block.

Honestly, I doubt it will make it beyond the hype-concept car stage.

JimmyL · #3 09-09-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

So what do you all think.......

I think there is no use for me to even think about it. I would never ever have the funds, nor would I spend large amounts of $ for the newer MB's anyway.......

benzforlife · #4 09-09-2007, 09:35 PM

all things set aside, i think the motor itself is an excellent concept.

lietuviai · #5 09-09-2007, 09:44 PM

Not unless we all start earning 7 digit incomes.

deerefanatic · #6 09-09-2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

Not unless we all start earning 7 digit incomes.

That'd be cool!

BioPOWER · #7 09-09-2007, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

So what do you all think, is it the greatest thing since sliced bread and will spell the end of CDIs and Bluetecs? Or will it be a repeat of the MB rotary engine concept of the late 60's? (ie: Highly anticipated, but doesn't make it to production).

I firmly believe it will not spell the end of MB diesels.

There was an article in Motor Trend about how there are all these European diesels, the CDI, TDI, etc. that are just as efficient as Japanese hybrids, yet with much simpler and reliable mechanicals. The Germans have responded to higher-economy needs by perfecting their existing technology, technology that's been around for many decades, while the Japanese respond by coming up with extremely complicated hybrid drivetrains. Everyone knows the Prius doesn't live up to its 60 mpg hype, but VW's 1.3 TDI easily exceeds that, and with a lot less electronics to boot.

My point is, this is Mercedes's answer to Japanese technology. Let's face it, celebrities aren't driving Mercedes CDIs--they're driving Priuses. This is Mercedes's way of proving that they too are capable of developing extremely high-tech engines.

And the likelihood that they'll sell this engine? Look at Mercedes's current S-class lineup in the USA. The "base" model is a 5.5L V8.
A 1.8L S-class? Not gonna happen.

Old300D · #8 09-09-2007, 11:41 PM

It sounds like a cool idea, but they just use SI to start and accelerate? Current diesels seem to do that just fine. And what fuel would it burn?

BioPOWER · #9 09-09-2007, 11:46 PM

It'd burn gas.
It's a compression ignition gasoline engine.

lietuviai · #10 09-10-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioPOWER

I firmly believe it will not spell the end of MB diesels.

There was an article in Motor Trend about how there are all these European diesels, the CDI, TDI, etc. that are just as efficient as Japanese hybrids, yet with much simpler and reliable mechanicals. The Germans have responded to higher-economy needs by perfecting their existing technology, technology that's been around for many decades, while the Japanese respond by coming up with extremely complicated hybrid drivetrains. Everyone knows the Prius doesn't live up to its 60 mpg hype, but VW's 1.3 TDI easily exceeds that, and with a lot less electronics to boot.

My point is, this is Mercedes's answer to Japanese technology. Let's face it, celebrities aren't driving Mercedes CDIs--they're driving Priuses. This is Mercedes's way of proving that they too are capable of developing extremely high-tech engines.

And the likelihood that they'll sell this engine? Look at Mercedes's current S-class lineup in the USA. The "base" model is a 5.5L V8.
A 1.8L S-class? Not gonna happen.

So I guess we'll be stuck with hybrids and maybe a TDI or two.