Following the other German biggies like the Audi and BMW, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of developing turbocharged powerplants that will be available throughout its line up by the end of 2010. Turbocharged engines deliver same power as higher displacement engine thereby increasing efficiency and also saving weight. Any savings that can be made at this point of time are crucial since manufacturers will have to cope up with stricter fuel economy standards in US and Europe while also reducing emissions. BMW has already said that it will use a twin-turbo V8 instead of a V10 in the next generation M5.

Thomas Weber, a Daimler board member in charge of research and development told Automotive News “All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest”.

Turbocharging though is only a stop gap arrangement. Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce hybrids into its lineup starting with the S-Class in 2009. Zero Emission fuel cell powered vehicles are company’s ultimate goal. The company will also put electric version of the smart car for two into production sometime in 2010.

Source: Autoblog