Honeywell Turbo Launches 3 Technologies on High-Performing Mercedes, Range Rover Engines at Paris Show
03 October 2010
Honeywell Turbo Technologies launched three innovative turbocharger technologies designed to enable fuel efficiency and performance on several of the newest premium engines featured at this year’s 2010 Paris Motor Show.
Honeywell introduced its first-in-class ball-bearing technology on the 2011 Mercedes S 350 BlueTec diesel engine; expanded its TwoStage Parallel technology to a V8 engine for the first time on Range Rover’s 2011 V8 4.4L engine; and launched its modern gasoline technology on the new V8 gasoline engine in the Mercedes S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. Each of these engines increases both power (hp) and fuel-efficiency by more than 10% over its previous models, while generating lower emissions according to each automaker.
Every segment of the industry is getting greener, including the premium vehicle category, and Honeywell is delivering technology solutions that help meet the converging demands of performance and efficiency.
—David Paja, Vice President, Marketing for Honeywell Turbo Technologies
Ball-bearing technology. For the first time, Honeywell will deliver a ball-bearing technology to a mainstream diesel passenger car on the Mercedes Benz S 350 BlueTec. By reducing friction losses, ball bearing technology enables improvements in fuel economy, emissions and overall performance. Mercedes says that its new 3.0L V6 turbodiesel engine will increase combined fuel economy by 11% to 35 mpg (6.7 L/100km) and decrease CO2 emissions to 177 g/km. At the same time, the engine power is increased by 10% to 258 hp (192 lb-ft) and torque by 15% to 620 N·m (457 lb-ft).
Honeywell originally developed ball-bearing technology for racing in 1986, and introduced it into commercial turbos in 1994. The single-cartridge, dual ball-bearing technology is 10 times more durable than traditional journal-bearing turbochargers. Some 100,000 ball-bearing turbos have been produced for OE applications, and are now available in a range of sizes for the street.
TwoStage Parallel Turbocharger. Honeywell’s TwoStage Parallel turbocharger will boost Range Rover’s 2011 LR-TDV8. By combining 2 turbochargers in a parallel architecture, the TwoStage technology enables best-in class vehicle transient dynamics while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The new 4.4 liter V8 diesel engine replaces the previous 3.6L turbodiesel engine, and Range Rover says it will achieve a 19% improvement in fuel economy and 14% reduction in CO2 emissions (first Land Rover to meet 25 mpg or 9.4 L/100km in EU combined cycle), while increasing power by 15% to 309 hp (230 kW) and torque by 9% to 700 N·m (516 lb-ft).
Honeywell Gasoline Turbo. Honeywell’s modern gasoline turbocharger technology has been chosen by Mercedes to boost its first V8 turbo gasoline engine. The new Mercedes Benz 4.6L biturbo V8 launched on the S and CL class uses a novel architecture with two turbochargers welded to the sheet-metal manifolds on each bank of the V-engine.
The turbos are able to withstand working temperatures up to 1050°C. Despite being 800cc smaller than the previous engine, Mercedes says that its engine developers were able to improve combined fuel economy by 22% to 25 mpg and decrease CO2 emissions from 288 to 224 grams per kilometer, while increasing power by 12% to 435 hp (324 kW) and torque by 32% to 700 N·m.
It's amazing that a 1986 technology, applied in 2010, can achieve that much. What would a 2010 technology do?
Why the 24 years delay?
Posted by: HarveyD | 03 October 2010 at 08:19 AM
"Why the 24 years delay?" for so many known innovations?
Posted by: kelly | 03 October 2010 at 11:14 AM
As I recall, a company that they bought was involved in a legal battle.
Posted by: SJC | 03 October 2010 at 11:48 AM
Turbo charging with a single piston is the future. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 03 October 2010 at 11:25 PM
Were the last 24 years devoted to burning as much crude oil as possible (i.e. maintain the status quo or avg 15 mpg) to keep that industry going?
Otherwise, the average car could do 35+ mpg today and 50+ mpg soon.
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 October 2010 at 11:17 AM
It should be obvious to anyone that certain technologies, such as, e.g. ball bearings for turbochargers, has not been easy do develop. Should we not show our appreciation for the company who succeeds with this first, instead of scorning them?
HarveyD, 15 mpg is not the status quo everywhere. In Europe we get 35+ mpg today and we will soon have 50+ mpg.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 07 October 2010 at 04:48 AM
Though I think Honeywell fumbled in their sales pitch by touting the age of their "new" technology, I can't rationalize how a sane person would really conclude the delay is some kind of conspiracy. A more likely scenario is that the technology was available in the 80's, but not feasible for high volume, or cost effective manufacturing. Honeywell and their customers are in the business in the making money. If they could not pass on the cost to the consumer or its benefits were not needed to meet a CAFE standard or CO2 regulation, then there is little reason to put it into production. its ultimately about what is the most appropriate and cost effective solution for a given problem, not just what is the most efficient or advanced.
Posted by: UnnaturallyAspirated | 18 October 2010 at 09:17 PM