Mercedes is preparing the electrification of AMG models. Thus, the base version Mercedes-AMG SL will be equipped with the 2-litre 4-cylinder M254 turbocharged engine and electric turbo.
It is already known that the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C 63 (W206) model is ditching the V8 engine in favour of a PHEV system consisting of the AMG A 45’s M139 2-litre turbo engine combined with a 200 hp electric motor driving the rear axle. However, there will also be a more sedate C-Class AMG version that will still carry the 43 badge. This will use the 2-litre M254 turbocharged engine with mild hybrid technology on 48V and integrated 15 kW (20 HP) starter generator, supercharged with an electric turbo. Basically, the electric turbo will eliminate any turbo lag.
The engineers will integrate a slim electric motor directly on the charger shaft. It will find its place between the turbine wheel on the exhaust side, and the compressor wheel on the fresh air side. The super compact motor will only measure about 1.57 inches (approximately 4 centimeters). The electric motor then drives the compressor wheel prior to it taking in the exhaust gas flow. It thus provides immediate response from an idle speed across the entire engine speed range, to eliminate turbo lag.
The same propulsion system will be found in the base version of the Mercedes-AMG SL 43. According to unofficial information, the M254 2.0-litre turbocharged engine supercharged with an electric turbo will still deliver 390 HP, the same as in the current Mercedes-AMG C43 plus the 15 kW (20 HP) from the integrated starter generator.
Sales of the Mercedes-AMG SL start in March 2022 with the AMG SL 63 and SL 55 versions and probably the base version will be available later. Since the new MSA (Modular Sports Architecture) platform developed by AMG will also be used in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT C192 coupe (the AMG GT roadster will no longer be offered), it is expected that the powertrain from the AMG SL 43 will also be used in the coupe.
