Wednesday 13th June 2012

AMG A-Class: First details of A45 AMG revealed

New Merc super-hatch should be most powerful in its class when it goes on sale next year

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Details of the new AMG version of the Mercedes A-Class - dubbed the A45 AMG - have been dug out by our newshound colleagues over on Autocar magazine.

There's been word on a hot AMG version of the A-Class to go head to head with the likes of the forthcoming M135i and Audi RS3 for some time, and now we can put a little meat on the bones of the rumour.

Seems that the new car will be powered by a 330hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor (part developed by AMG's High Performance Engine offshoot in Brixworth), making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine Mercedes has put into a production car. There's no word on torque, but it's expected to outstrip the 332lb ft of torque from the 2.5-litre turbo five found in the RS3. With the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo of the M135i making 320hp, that could make the Mercedes effectively the most powerful car in its class.

Power wheel be transferred to all four wheels via a twin-clutch gearbox and a Haldex-alike multi-plate clutch four-wheel drive system, and we can expect 0-60mph sprint times of less than five seconds.

The new car is expected to be around £32,000 when it goes on sale next year.

There's not much more official information around yet, but expect but we'll know more on it - and about the spec in detail - when the car is officially unveiled later this week.

[AdamPT]

given a choice of the 3, I think the beemer wins for me. Combo of 6 cylinders, rear wheel drive and looks (which I like despite general consensus). But AMG a welcome addition to this sector.

[AdamPT]

CraigyMc said:

AdamPT said:

given a choice of the 3, I think the beemer wins for me. Combo of 6 cylinders, rear wheel drive and looks (which I like despite general consensus). But AMG a welcome addition to this sector.

So without having ever sat in the Merc you've written it off already?

Hmmm.....I haven't sat in the Audi or Beemer eaither so actually my opinion is based purely on stats and visuals, which I am sure you will agree is my right? And no, I haven't written anything off, I just said what I thought would be my favourite. Derrrrrrr

[AdamPT]

urquattroGus said:

This is looking good, will be replacing my Focus RS next year, and want something a little quicker but also more refined and with all the toys.

Looking forward to testing the M135i, this AMG and maybe a newer RS3? Should be spoilt for choice!

I am sure it will be an enjoyable exercise in chosing the right one for you. Enjoy!