SPY PICS: AMG's hot-shoe shuffle
An unexpected mis-step from Benz's performance arm; retiring small-car Hyprex engine before it enters serviceAMG’s first pocket rocket has been caught testing in Europe by the spy photographers at Carparazzi. Based around Benz’s all-new A- and B-Class architecture, the car can be identified as the swoopier AMG version by its bigger, more-powerful brakes, twin exhaust pipes and bigger AMG-spec alloy rims.
While the all-new B-Class will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks as a front-wheel drive machine, the AMG version will be all-wheel drive, even though it boasts a transversely-mounted engine beneath the bonnet.
AMG believes it needs all-paw action, too, because it has developed a 320hp, turbo-charged version of the old C-Class 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine especially for this car. In fact, it was hastily developed, because it couldn’t make its radical Hyprex forced-induction engine work properly, despite two years of development.
The heavy camouflage draped across the AMG’s body helps to disguise its new, six-speed double-clutch gearbox.
Priced to compete with Audi’s RS3 and BMW’s 1-Series M Coupe, the car will be on sale in 12 months in Germany and rumours are circulating the car will make its global debut at next year's Paris motor show.
— with Carparazzi
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