Next Merc-AMG A 45 to get 300kW+

Mercedes-AMG has admitted the next-generation replacement for its A45 AMG hot hatch will generate more than 300kW from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The confirmation Mercedes-AMG will still make the world’s hottest hatch was made by AMG boss Tobias Moers in an interview with British magazine Auto Express at the unveiling of the facelifted A-Class hatch.

Rumours are already rife the German car-maker’s performance division is readying an A45 AMG S model with at least 295kW to rival the forthcoming Volkswagen Golf R 400, but in the interview Moers kept tight-lipped about a more powerful version of the current A45 AMG being in the pipeline.

Instead, he said the next-generation hot hatch will narrow the gap between hot hatch and supercars.

Moers said: “It is important for our customers to have the most powerful car in the segment."

AMG’s boss also said the next-generation small hot hatch will slice as much as 10 seconds off the current car’s Nurburgring lap time and record a sub-eight minute lap, making it potentially even faster than the current lap leader, the new Honda Civic Type-R — if the ‘Ring removes its current temporary speed limits.

In the interview, Moers said downsizing to six-cylinder engines for its flagship models was out of the question and it would persevere with V8s. He also said there were no plans for AMG-badged performance hybrids.

Recently, it was announced that the new facelifted A45 AMG’s new, more powerful, 280kW version of the 2.0-litre turbo would be rolled out to both the CLA and GLA SUV.