Thomas Weber - the head of Daimler AG’s development and research for Mercedes - stated the plans that they have to offer turbocharged engine for their entire line-up. Their deadline for this goal is 2010.
Unlike Mercedes-Benz’s current supercharged engines, these turbocharged motors won’t be built in the name of performance, but rather to meet upcoming emission standards. Not only does the automaker have to worry about the new CAFE mandate in the U.S., but also new legislation in Europe that will require Daimler to cut its average fleet emissions by 33 percent by 2012.
The Chrysler Pacifica Advance Design Center opened its doors in 1983 and is famous for creating the designs for the Plymouth Prowler, Jeep Compass, Doge Challenger concept (pictured above), and the Dodge Intrepid concept. This year we were sad to see it close down. However, that might not have been the end of them.
Mercedes-Benz will bring it back to life as they move their design studio from its current 13,000 square foot location in Irvine, to the larger 35,000 square foot former Chrysler location in Carlsbad, California. While both parties have confirmed the pending sale, terms and move-in dates have not been released.
Mercedes is batting down the hatches and preparing to balance low emissions with a high output for the next generation AMG. In other words we will see less displacement, more turbo, and even some hybrids. Shocked? So were we when we first heard.
Mercedes will be throwing out the 6.2 liter V8 engine and introducing the new 5.0 liter, twin turbo, V8 which will be designed to push out 570 horsepower and 665 pound-ft of torque. The output is said to hit 700 horsepower and 885 pound-ft of torque instead of the 612 horsepower V12 mil.