Second-gen Mercedes-AMG A45 to go electric

Mercedes-AMG is set to fire a fresh salvo in the hot hatch war, with a report revealing a landmark technology for the second-generation A45, plus a newly-developed Ford Focus RS rival.

According to English publication Autocar, the second instalment all-wheel drive hot hatch will have at least 300kW of power and its own unique chassis developments when it is launched some time in 2019. It will be joined by a slightly lesser-powered and more affordable sibling.

The fresh sentiments reinforce Mercedes-AMG chief Tobia Moer's thoughts in April on the need to dramatically increase the A45's outputs, all-wheel system and introduce electric turbocharging.

Citing industry intel, the report says the re-worked M133 power plant used in the flagship A45 will feature a traditional exhaust gas-driven twin scroll turbocharger that works in concert with a 48-volt electric system which runs both an electric-driven turbocharger and electric motor in a hybrid set-up.

The fettled drivetrain is expected to enable a 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds, and will be accompanied by a new nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a faster reacting all-wheel drive system with that offers “greater variability in the drive split between the front and rear wheels”.

The changes will purportedly be used to leverage the A45 beyond the capabilities of the current Audi RS3.

Furthermore, the report suggests Mercedes-AMG is working on an entry-level performance hatch that will take on Volkswagen’s Golf R and the Ford Focus RS.

motoring.com.au understands the newly-conceived model will sport an A35 4Matic moniker, and feature outputs closer to 220kW.

Both the A45 and its lesser-powered sibling will sit on a redeveloped version of Mercedes’ MFA architecture, on that features a stretched wheelbase and longer body than before.

The fourth-generation A-Class is set to be revealed later this year ahead of launch in 2018.