Fuel-saving engines that automatically switch off at the traffic lights will be standard on all new cars inside five years, the head of Mercedes-Benz’s Research and Development group told Leftlane. First seen on Volkswagen’s 1.2-litre Lupo fuel sipper in 1999, the Start-Stop engine technology has made a comeback, with Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW all heavily investing in it.
Benz has just released its revised A-Class with two Start-Stop-equipped versions in Europe, while other German companies will quickly follow suit.
“In my point of view, Start-Stop will be a base technology for all passenger cars,” Dr. Thomas Weber insisted.
“That may be different in Europe to, say, Saudi Arabia, but it is the easiest and fastest way to use less fuel – and you can do it tomorrow.
“In five years it will be standard in the premium classes.”
Benz debuted its Start-Stop system, which uses a belt-driven starter-generator to replace the standard alternator and starter motor, in the smart Micro Hybrid Drive in October, 2008, claiming a 19 percent reduction in fuel consumption in city traffic.
It will also release the system in Europe as an option on its A150 and A170 models from the third quarter of this year.
With the Mercedes system, the driver moves the manual gear-shift (it’s not yet available on automatics) to neutral while applying the brakes. The system smoothly kills the engine, while on-board systems, such as air conditioning and the entertainment unit, are powered by strengthened batteries.
The engine re-starts comfortably when the brake is released or the clutch pedal is pushed in.
“Start-stop started with petrol engines because there are questions with diesel for this,” Dr Weber admitted.
“The tension in the belt must be higher because of the higher compression in the engine and that raises longevity questions that we haven’t answered yet,” he said.
Words by Michael Taylor.
06/13, 2:00 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
no more a/c while in traffic I guess
06/13, 2:23 PM
posted by:
davebo
It specifically says the a/c will keep running on strengthened batteries.
This sounds like a simple and immediate way to save a lot of gas. My only problem is that now I have to wait for yet another new technology to be implemented before I get a new car, cause I’ll be damned if I’m gonna buy a car in a year or two then everyone else gets to save 19% of their gas a few years later. I think as gas prices increase and newer cars get better mileage, we’re going to see our current cars’ resale value plummet. Sure it’s already happened with SUV’s, but even cars getting 20 city 28 hwy will be looked down on in a couple years.
06/13, 2:36 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Oh, good. Something else to add further complexity and cost to the modern internal combustion engine so that the average peon can still afford to drive. The middle east oil barons must be laughing their turbans off as they step out of their Rolls’ and onto their Airbus’.
06/13, 4:26 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Start/stop technology comes from the makers of starters, like Bosch and Valeo, not automakers.
06/13, 5:44 PM
posted by:
TOZO
Sounds like numerous traffic accidents waiting to happen, based on glitch after glitch.
06/13, 6:37 PM
posted by:
Random Jerk
You guys just can’t let the buggy whip go can you?
06/13, 7:06 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
I like this tech, glad it might become standard.
06/13, 8:45 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Actually, if it works in sync with the traffic lights, the amount of accidents should decrease because this will eliminate all those “jack-rabbit” lead-feet out there. Can’t accelerate if the engine isn’t on. Also, no more street racing from stop light to stop light, unless a ultra quick starter becomes an aftermarket performance part. Forget NOS, my starter starts quicker!
06/13, 8:47 PM
posted by:
Boxster2.7L
Its gonna wear out the engines too. Startup is when an engine experiences the most strain and increased harshness, because the cylinders are in the process of becoming lubricated by oil. I would not be surprised if this backfires on Mercedes.
06/13, 9:57 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
MINI also has start stop technology and BMW is adding it, so it would not just Mercedes getting hurt by the backfire from such issues.
06/13, 10:47 PM
posted by:
lucklaster
Swell. Let’s just take eveyones keys away.
06/13, 11:42 PM
posted by:
autonut
I noticed on rentals that A/C shuts off while accelerating, so if it will shut off under red light not a big deal
06/14, 1:48 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
Start stop has been around for years and is extremely reliable. The systems that use field coils around the flywheel are the most reliable…the alternator/starter combo is the cheapest way, but relies on a good serp belt. Millions of gallons of fuel saved and lower noise levels in cities are great reasons to “get ur done” as soon as possible!!
06/14, 4:04 AM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Doesn’t the Astra have something similar to start stop?
06/14, 8:42 AM
posted by:
Htay9500
^^ I think so, maybe in its diesel versions and its only available in europe under its opel name.
06/14, 3:48 PM
posted by:
maxcar
the mazda system sounds more reliable and innovative.
06/14, 9:33 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
I thought the gas version in the States got it as well? I could be wrong, but could have sworn I read that.
06/16, 6:00 AM
posted by:
E60M5
i thought start stop driving used up the most fuel??