The decision by the RLM to concentrate on manufacturing aircraft engines using fuel injection systems rather than carburetors meant that the DB 600 was quickly superseded by the otherwise similar DB 601 that included direct fuel injection.

[1] In 1933, Daimler-Benz finally received a contract to develop its new engine and to build six examples of the DB 600.

[1] Power at sea level: DB 600C¹ and D² As the A/B, but with supercharger and 13,120 feet (4000 m) rated altitude.

[1] Power at Sea level: Power at 13,120 feet (4000 m) rated altitude: ¹ Reduction Gearing = 1.55 ² Reduction Gearing = 1.88 The DB 601 was a development of the DB 600G with direct fuel injection, which produced better fuel economy, and eliminated engine cut-out due to carburettor induced fuel starvation during negative G-loads.

The first prototype with the direct fuel injection, designated as F4E, was test run in 1935, and an order for 150 engines was placed in February 1937.