AMG A to top class?
Look out Evo and R, there's an AMG hot hatch looking to cut your grassMercedes-Benz's performance division is aiming to top the hot hatch class with the performance version of the new A-Class. Indeed, though final details of the A 45 AMG are still being kept under wraps, Mercedes staffers are already talking up the performance of the new hatch.
AMG is said to have trialled both twin and single turbo versions of the direct-injected 2.0-litre engine that will power the A 45. The current crop of evaluation vehicles is running large single variable geometry turbochargers, say insiders.
Power outputs of more than 240kW are being bandied about, though the final figure won't be far from that mark, say powertrain engineers present at this week's A-Class launch in Slovenia.
Performance of the smallest production AMG is claimed to be "stunning". The hottest A-Class is claimed to be faster than a C63 0-100km/h and have a class-leading top-speed. Indeed, unfettered by speed limiters and thanks to even better aerodynamics, an AMG-powered development version of the CLA four-door coupe (which shares its mechanicals with the A 45) has reportedly topped 280km/h!
The production A 45 is likely to debut at next year's Geneva motor show. It features a bespoke version of the new Magna co-developed all-wheel-drive system. Like the systems used in Mitsubishi's EVO and the like, the set-up features a rear-mounted clutch pack and clever rear differential that can vector torque to suit conditions.
Benz insiders claim the system is so efficient they cannot measure the degradation in fuel economy when compared to standard front-drive A-Class models.
Benz's 7G-DCT twin-clutch transmission gets an upgrade for the A 45. This lifts its maximum allowable torque loading to 450Nm -- a 80-100Nm increase. Software updates deliver even more aggressive shifts than the AMG-fettled A 250 Sport (see our launch review) and AMG also adds a RS [Race Start] function.
Unlike the standard car's brake-loading start potential, this feature is a true launch mode.
Other changes are likely to include a Sport+ setting for the stability control, though cosmetic and interior changes are said to be limited to keep the price within cooee of the rest of the A-Class range.
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