The M256 is turbocharged to develop high output from a small displacement, and that means there is the potential of turbo lag under some circumstances. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up.
This supercharger, which is located downstream of the turbocharger, uses a centrifugal flow compressor—like the compressor side of a turbo—driven by a 48-volt electric motor. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. That’s enough to provide strong engine response while the turbo gets up to speed, at which point a check valve closes and the turbo takes over from the electric supercharger.
5. A Large Turbocharger
When the driver presses on the accelerator to call for more output from the M256, the first reaction is immediate torque from the integrated starter/alternator. Then the electric supercharger spins up in 0.3 second to deliver useful boost. With these two quick responses, there’s no need to fit a tiny turbocharger to minimize turbo lag.
Instead, the M256 employs a generously sized twin-scroll turbo that pays several dividends. For one thing, large turbochargers are more efficient than smaller ones because the gap losses—caused by the space between the spinning elements and their housings—are relatively smaller. For another, a larger turbocharger flows better and creates less back pressure at high rpm, extending the engine’s powerband.
Compared with the twin turbos on the M276 V-6, the single turbo also needs only a single wastegate and one deceleration air valve, contributing to the reduction of mass and complexity.