Next Mercedes-AMG A45 to outgun rivals with 300+kW

Mercedes-AMG’s next generation replacement for its current A45 4MATIC will outgun all its rivals from the current Audi RS3 to the more recently introduced BMW M2, says a new report.

Producing at least 300kW, the smallest AMG will enjoy an advantage of at least 20kW over the current version and pump out 30kW more than its next most powerful rival, the RS3.

Previously, it was thought Mercedes-AMG engineers would have to start from scratch with the new 2.0-litre turbo. That’s after claims from AMG boss Tobias Moers that the existing engine was at its very limit for power and durability but now, according to Autocar, a modified version of the old engine will carry over.

Speaking to a source believed to be working closely with the German car maker, the current turbocharged 2.0-litre, codenamed M133, has been heavily updated and will live on under the bonnet of the next A45 that will be on sale by 2019.

To help it produce more power and torque, the small petrol has gained new fuel injectors and a different turbocharger, while the engine itself has received what's described as "subtle revisions to the combustion process".

Also carrying over is the current car's four-wheel drive system, but instead of the old seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the new A45 will benefit from Mercedes' all-new nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

According to Autocar’s source, a key goal of the smallest AMG's development was creating a car that can reach 100km/h, from standstill, in less than 4.0 seconds - setting a new benchmark for the class.

Top speed, meanwhile, will set new highs for the hot hatch class with the little A45 AMG likely to be speed-limited to an incredible 300km/h - that's 20km/h faster than the 280km/h max the Audi RS3 is claimed to reach.

Perhaps far more relevant to Australian buyers than meaningless top speeds is how well the next A45 will drive. Comprehensively beaten in a recent motoring.com.au triple test against the Focus RS and Audi RS3, the A45 will need to significantly up its game to dynamically challenge the cheaper Ford hatch.

Disappointingly, the next car won't be lighter, says the source, but that's only because the A-Class will grow in size to offer more space.

An aluminium-intensive construction should mean, give or take, the A45 will weigh the same, but its new platform will be significantly stiffer and stronger.

The longer wheelbase, wider front and rear track should also help boost stability, maximise mechanical grip and boost handling.

Another change for the flagship A-Class is Mercedes will offer not one but two AMG-branded hot hatches. As well as the 300kW A45 replacement, the performance division is also claimed to be readying a less powerful 280kW version that could be badged an A43.

The less powerful version is vital to help the brand challenge cheaper hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Despite also being powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, the A43 is claimed to come with a development of the M270 engine that currently propels the A250.

As well as the fast AMG versions, Mercedes will also roll out a plug-in hybrid variant of the next fourth-generation hatchback, says the insider.