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This powerful 4-cylinder engine will shake up the automobile industry: discover its secrets

The world of sports cars is in turmoil. A new 4-cylinder engine with exceptional performance has just appeared, pushing the limits of what was thought possible with such a small displacement. This technical feat from Mercedes-AMG promises to revolutionize the compact sports car market. Let's dive into the insides of this extraordinary engine block that is already making the competition tremble.

The dawn of a new era for compact engines

The world of sports cars has long been dominated by large V6, V8 or V12 engines. But increasingly strict anti-pollution standards and the quest for energy efficiency are pushing manufacturers to innovate. It is in this context that Mercedes-AMG developed its incredible M139 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder capable of developing up to 421 horsepower in its most powerful version.

This technical feat marks a turning point in the history of the automobile. Never before has an engine of such small displacement reached such levels of power in series production. This engine block pushes the limits of what was thought possible with a 4-cylinder, paving the way for a new generation of ultra-high-performance compact sports cars.

A revolutionary architecture

The secret to the M139's phenomenal power lies in its sophisticated internal architecture. Mercedes-AMG engineers have redesigned every component to maximize performance:

  • A new generation twin-scroll turbocharger, capable of handling very high boost pressures.
  • A very high pressure direct injection system (up to 200 bars), allowing perfect atomization of the fuel.
  • Forged aluminum pistons, combined with sintered steel connecting rods, to withstand extreme stresses.
  • A lightweight and reinforced crankshaft, allowing very high engine speeds.
  • Cutting-edge technologies for performance

    Beyond its innovative mechanical design, the M139 integrates cutting-edge technologies to optimize its operation:

  • A sophisticated cooling system, with a dedicated circuit for the cylinder head and another for the engine block.
  • Ultra-precise electronic management, capable of adjusting thousands of parameters in real time to optimize performance and consumption.
  • A dry sump allowing optimal lubrication, even in the most extreme conditions.
  • An exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, reducing turbocharger response time.
  • Performances that defy belief

    The numbers speak for themselves. In its most powerful version, the M139 develops 421 horsepower for a maximum torque of 500 Nm. These values, worthy of a good V8 a few years ago, are obtained here with only 2.0 liters of displacement.

    Mounted in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, this engine allows dazzling acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 3.9 seconds, while the maximum speed reaches 270 km/h. Performance that places this compact at the level of much more expensive supercars.

    Surprising versatility

    Despite its phenomenal power, the M139 isn't just a racing engine in disguise. Mercedes-AMG engineers have achieved the feat of making it usable on a daily basis:

  • A very flat torque curve, offering great flexibility of use.
  • Controlled consumption during normal use, thanks to technologies such as cylinder deactivation.
  • A low noise level, allowing comfortable journeys on the motorway.
  • Foolproof reliability, thanks to materials and manufacturing processes worthy of Formula 1.
  • Hybridization as the ultimate evolution

    If the M139 is already exceptional in its 100% thermal version, Mercedes-AMG has pushed the concept even further with a plug-in hybrid version. Called M139L, this development incorporates an electric turbocharger, allowing it to reach a stratospheric power of 476 horsepower.

    This technology, directly derived from Formula 1, allows the turbo's response time to be completely eliminated, offering instant acceleration at all speeds. Combined with an electric motor on the rear axle, this unit allows the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance to develop a combined power of 680 horsepower, thus rivaling much more exclusive supercars.

    A major impact on the sports car market

    The arrival of this super-powerful 4-cylinder engine is shaking up the established codes in the world of sports cars. Mercedes-AMG's competitors will have to react to avoid being left behind:

  • BMW M is already working on an evolution of its 4-cylinder for its future M2.
  • Audi Sport could ditch the 5-cylinder in favor of a 4-cylinder hybrid on the next RS3.
  • Even Porsche is reportedly considering using a supercharged 4-cylinder for some versions of its 718.
  • The challenges to be met

    Despite its exceptional performance, the M139 must face several challenges to establish itself in the long term:

  • Thermal management of such a powerful and compact engine remains a major challenge.
  • Driving pleasure must be preserved, despite the disappearance of the characteristic sound of large engines.
  • The long-term durability of these highly stressed mechanisms must be proven.
  • Acceptance by purists, still attached to big cars, is not guaranteed.
  • Towards an electrified future

    The M139 probably represents the pinnacle of the compact thermal engine. The future is clearly moving towards electrification, as the plug-in hybrid version already shows. We can imagine that the next developments of this engine will include:

  • 48V mild-hybrid systems to further optimize efficiency.
  • Electric motors integrated into the transmission for optimal torque distribution.
  • Using synthetic fuels to reduce carbon footprint.
  • The Mercedes-AMG M139 marks a milestone in the history of sports cars. It proves that high performance and downsizing can be combined, paving the way for a new generation of more efficient sports cars. Although electrification is inevitable, this exceptional 4-cylinder engine will remain in the annals of history as a masterpiece of engineering, embodying the know-how of German engine manufacturers. Its influence will be felt far beyond the borders of the brand with the star, pushing the entire industry to surpass itself in creating the sports cars of tomorrow.

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