Electrification is challenging the future of internal combustion engines, but it also is enabling them to reach new heights in performance and efficiency. And never has the humble 4-cyl. been so powerful, lavished with so much advanced technology and sounded so good.
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43 4-cyl. is a benchmark for future premium 2.0L engines.
With V-8-worthy output of 402 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque and 4.6-second 0-60 mph (97 km/h) chops, it represents how far the humble 4-cyl. has come and how far it still can go. With more than 200-hp/L, it is the most powerful 4-cyl. production engine in the world.
But a good chunk of this power comes courtesy of electrons.
The engine features a 48V mild-hybrid system and an electric turbocharger derived from AMG’s Formula 1 racing technology.
The electric turbo is the first in a production car. A thin 48V electric motor, integrated directly on the shaft between the turbine and compressor wheels, can accelerate the compressor before the exhaust gas flow takes over. The innovative turbo helps maintain boost pressure and improve engine response from idle to high rpms.
Two-stage direct injection is another key feature. Advanced piezoelectric fuel injectors spray fuel directly into each cylinder with precise metering, ultra-fine atomization and incredibly fast on/off switching speed. A second stage adds solenoid-operated fuel injection at the manifold duct level to help the engine achieve its high output.
The result is thrilling performance and some of the best exhaust sounds we’ve ever heard from four cylinders.
Rated at 19/26 mpg (12.3-9.0 L/100 km) city/highway, the C 43 also is not a gas guzzler. For a compact sedan with 402 hp it is relatively thrifty – assuming the driver can exercise a bit of self-control. Wards jurors drove the car a total of 314 miles (505 km) observing a high of 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km) and a low of 19.1 mpg (12 L/100 km).
But it isn’t the power density or efficiency of the C 43’s hand-built engine that won it a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems trophy, it is the overall innovation and relatively affordable $61,000 base price.
“Sure, adding turbos will boost the output of any 4-cyl. – we had several good turbo 2.0L 4-cyls. in this year’s competition,” says judge Bob Gritzinger.
“The Mercedes-AMG C 43 sets a superior performance bar at more than 200 hp/L, employing what AMG engineers have learned from the brand’s Formula 1 racing machines. Topping it off with an electric-assist motor only adds to the overall output without detracting from the engine’s hot credentials.”
The 2023 winners will be honored during the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award ceremony Oct. 18 on day two of AutoTech: Electrification at the Fort Pontchartrain Hotel in Detroit, MI. Learn more about the event and book your ticket by visiting https://bit.ly/3REayqc. All credentialed media are welcome and qualify for free admittance to both the awards ceremony and AutoTech: Electrification Oct. 17-18.
