Mercedes-Benz A-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery



According to a report from AutoWeek.nl, Mercedes-Benz is taking a long, hard look at a new three-cylinder engine for its upcoming range of small cars and hybrids . Daimler already offers a 1.0-liter three-banger in the diminutive Smart ForTwo , and this new powerplant would likely be destined for the engine bay of both the next-gen Smart and Mercedes ' A-, B- and C-Class vehicles.In addition to the three-cylinder engine, Thomas Weber, director of group research and car development at Mercedes-Benz, says the German automaker plans to offer a hybrid powertrain option on each of its models – from minicars like the Smart to its line of large luxury sedans and commercial vans . To make that goal a reality, M-B is working to reduce the weight of its hybrid drivetrain by 10%.The last interesting little nugget from this report is that Mercedes is looking for a partner to help develop this small engine family. We can't help but recall rumors from last month indicating that BMW was working on its own new three-cylinder engine architecture