Big torque from small Mercedes diesel

Daimler's drive for efficiency has resulted in a small 2.2-L four-cylinder engine that produces 500 N·m to power larger vehicles.

The ability of engineers to squeeze what even a few years ago would have been regarded as prodigious amounts of energy from an engine of modest capacity continues apace. One of the latest examples is Mercedes-Benz's new 2143-cm³ turbodiesel that is slated to power the next-generation E-Class.

In its most powerful, 150-kW (201-hp) form, it delivers peak torque of 500 N·m (369 lb·ft)-available from a mere 1600 rpm; that is 70 kW (94 hp) and 233 N·m (172 lb·ft) per liter. The 2.2-L unit it replaces generated 58 kW (78 hp) and 186 N·m (137 lb·ft) per liter.