Mercedes-Benz has revealed details about its innovative DiesOtto powertrain concept, which draws on the best aspects of both petrol and diesel technologies.

Representing the future of the car engine, DiesOtto powertrain boasts the performance of a gasoline engine with the high torque and fuel economy of a state-of-the-art diesel. Crucially, the new engine concept also adheres to the Mercedes-Benz commitment to environmentally-friendly design principles.

Central to the new design is the controlled auto ignition, which is a highly efficient combustion process akin to that seen in diesel models. It also functions without synthetic fuels but can be operated using conventional gasoline.

"Our next goal will now be to make the gasoline engine as economical as a diesel. All the preconditions for this are provided by our DiesOtto concept, which incorporates the foremost strengths of both the gasoline engine and diesel engine," said Dr Herbert Kohler, chief environmental officer of DaimlerChrysler.

The new technologies promise to combine the advantages of the low-emission gasoline engine with the fuel economy of a diesel. Engineers involved in the production of DiesOtto have revealed that the four-cylinder unit has a displacement of just 1.8 litres and that it will deliver better performance and refinement at the luxury class level.

"In line with the worldwide success of today’s diesel engine, vehicles equipped with gasoline engines will continue to have a long-term attraction for many customers and in many markets. Accordingly we are giving our attention to both engine types – including a full hybrid option for diesel and gasoline vehicles," Dr Kohler continued.

The turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is still at the concept stage, would be suitable for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.