Mercedes and Renault to share engines

Renault diesels will find their way into FWD Mercs.

Renault diesels will find their way into FWD Mercs.

Published Dec 9, 2010

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In the global drive to cut costs by achieving greater efficiency of scale, carmakers are increasingly scratching each others backs in the form of technology sharing.

Now Renault-Nissan and Daimler AG have revealed some of the finer details of their technical alliance that was signed earlier in the year.

What this means is that the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be powered by the same 1.5-litre 8-valve dCi engine that powers the Nissan NP200.

Just kidding. In truth, the deal actually seems quite inspiring. Firstly, Renault will supply Mercedes-Benz with its brand new 95kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine for use in the next A- and B-Class models, which will be built on a new front-wheel drive platform, sans 'sandwich-floor' construction.

Mercedes-Benz will then meet its end of the bargain by providing a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to Renault-Nissan. Apparently, the German carmaker will also open the door to Renault-Nissan using certain of its V6 and V8 petrol motors.

This has many positive implications for Nissan's upmarket sedans, sports cars and SUVs - especially if we're talking AMG power here.

It's been reported that Daimler and Renault-Nissan will also jointly develop a range of small 3- and 4-cylinder powerplants for use in smaller Nissans, Renaults, Smarts and Mercs.

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