Video: Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto technology explained

Posted Thu Jun 26 2008 10:25 PM by Nelson Ireson

Video: Mercedes-Benz DiesOtto technology explained

Nearly every major carmaker in the world is working on some sort of alternative combustion engine technology, be it ethanol or hydrogen fuel, advanced diesel engines or the advanced hybrid petrol solution known generically as HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition), or as Mercedes has branded it, DiesOtto. The basics involve use of diesel engine principles in petrol-fueled engines for a combination of greater power output and fuel efficiency than either traditional petrol or diesel solutions.

In this video, Dr. Günter Karl explains the process in detail, with the aid of a cutaway engine. As Dr. Karl points out, the technology is currently still in the experimental stages. Test engines have been fitted to a number of cars, however, including the F700 concept and an S-Class, the latter achieving 39mpg (6.0L/100km) and 238hp (175kW) from a mere 1.8L engine. Two-stage turbochargers, direct injection and controlled auto-ignition make for a very interesting use of four minutes.


Reader Comments

  • Thu Jun 26 2008 11:01 PM

    Gus says

    Fascinating technology, but why are German scientists so difficult to listen to?

  • Fri Jun 27 2008 3:52 AM

    raptor says

    Difficult? I think they're funny :)

    Yes, I can already see this techonolgy helping to decrease a number of diesels in Europe. And that is ok, I prefer clean petrol exhoust over diesel smoke screen.

  • Fri Jun 27 2008 4:25 AM

    admin says

    Gus - they could say the same about some 'mericans :)

  • Fri Jun 27 2008 10:01 AM

    Gus says

    Very true.
    And don't get me wrong, I speak fluent German, but somehow that droll, German monotone just makes me want to slap the guy and say "come on, get excited, this is groundbreaking stuff here!!!"

  • Fri Jun 27 2008 1:28 PM

    vb says

    Please don't think all Germans talk like that. :D Sometimes I think German companys WANT people with that "typical German" accent (and way of speaking) for image matters.

  • Mon Jul 21 2008 9:13 PM

    sb says

    the's butifule car

Leave a Comment

Login or register to leave comments.