In an interview with AutoWeek.nl, Mercedes R&D chief Thomas Weber revealed that the German automaker is currently developing a three-cylinder engine. Moreover, the three-cylinder option could be available on some Mercedes models by as early as 2012.
Although work has already begun on the three-pot, Mercedes is still looking for a partner to finish the development of the engine. Mercedes has stated that it wants a closer relationship with BMW, so it’s not completely out of the realm of possibilities that the two automakers could team up on the engine’s development.
The three-cylinder will be initially offered in the Smart ForTwo as well as Mercedes’ A- and B-Class vehicles, but it will also be available in the company’s larger C-Class. Although the three-cylinder C-Class will only be available in Europe at launch, there is still the possibility it could be sold in the North American market in the coming years.
[Source: GermanCarForum]
