Ferrari Mailing List: Re: MB Engine Advantage

[Todd Walke (racertod]

Paul wrote:

> Anyone else believe the Mercedes dual turbo system gives their car a half
> second advantage over the field?
>
> If anyone missed the bit about dual turbos, it's my understanding that a
> genius at MB attacked the turbo lag problem by choosing two shaft driven
> half size turbos mounted at front/rear of the engine.  Half the weight does
> wonders for momentum as they will spool up twice as fast as one heavier
> turbo.

        The regulations specify a single turbo only.

        A typical turbocharger has the turbine (driven by the exhaust) and 
the compressor (that compresses the air) in a single housing.

        What Mercedes has done is to put the compressor at the front of 
the engine and the turbine at the rear.  A shaft connects the two, with an 
electric motor (the MGU-H) on the shaft as well.
        This allows a shorter intake path, which reduces lag.  And not 
having the intake plumbing at the rear of the motor improves packaging 
around the rear of the engine.
        Since engine development is limited, it'll be difficult for other 
engine manufacturers to duplicate this arrangement.


Todd
Seattle,WA
'86 GTI, Red of course. (exciting racey car) 276,000 miles
'01 Golf TDI, silver.   (new work car)       459,000 miles
'87 Golf, Polar Silver. (retired work car)   654,000 miles <- Gone to a new 
home :(
http://www.pureluckdesign.com <-Ferrari & VW stuff