PlatinumZealot wrote:Why would Mercedes waste time and resource when they could just easily buy a proven concept?
The jet ignititer is just another component like a sparkplug, injector or a valve. It is wiser to work with mahle to design one for you than wasting time and resources on it. Imagine the years of research and testing put into that igniter alone....
Mercedes have been toying around with this idea in their road cars for a long time now, since around 2005.
DiesOtto used spark plugs but had a "energy saving" mode(Controlled auto ignition) in low demand conditions which did not require the spark plugs. A variation of compression ignition I believe.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/09 ... enz-i.html
This engine also had variable compression ratio technology, which was implemented to boost efficiency.
So it's no stretch of the imagination to see Mercedes having something similar to Mahle, bearing in mind the direction of their research in improving combustion efficiency. So while the above is not evidence, it certainly is er....smoke to the fire?