La casa automobilistica Mercedes offrirà motori V12 nei prossimi anni
A Munich motor show, Markus Schäfer, tecnico capo di Mercedes-Benz, ha confermato che l'azienda continuerà a offrire motori V12. Questa decisione arriva mentre Mercedes-Benz sta modificando la sua strategia sui modelli a motore a combustione interna (ICE).
Il costruttore tedesco sta sviluppando un nuovo motore V8 ad alte prestazioni, quasi conforme ai nuovi standard Euro 7 di emissione. Tuttavia, Schäfer ha lasciato intendere che il V12 rimarrà disponibile in Europa, senza confermare la sua compatibilità Euro 7.
In passato, i motori V12 erano offerti nei modelli AMG S65, CL 65 e SL 600. Attualmente, l'unica modello Mercedes che utilizza un V12 è la limousine Maybach S680 da 603 cv. In futuro, i modelli Mercedes-Benz che saranno equipaggiati con un motore V12 includeranno la Maybach S-Klasse e la S-Klasse Guard, principalmente offerti in mercati selezionati a causa delle norme sulle emissioni UE più severe.
Despite the development of new engines and the continued offering of V12 engines, Mercedes-Benz is also preparing for the future. The controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain used in the C63 and GLC 63 will be phased out.
AMG plans to continue with petrol powertrains "as long as possible, where regulations allow". However, the new European emission laws (Euro 7) have put Mercedes' largest combustion engine into doubt. Schaëfer did not provide details on how Mercedes would make the V12 compliant with the new rules.
It's possible that V12-engined Mercedes models could be sold only in select global markets in the future. Customer demand will determine the continued sale of combustion engines in those markets. Mercedes could continue to sell combustion engines in markets such as the Middle East and China where no such regulation is in place.
The regulation in the US and Europe is that combustion engines cannot be sold after 2035. This means that Mercedes-Benz, like many other automakers, will need to focus on electric and hybrid vehicles in the coming years. However, for now, the company is committed to offering both petrol and V12 engines, ensuring that enthusiasts can continue to enjoy the powerful and luxurious driving experience that these engines provide.
