The most affordable AMG model is set for an early 2013 launch. We’re talking about the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG model which is set to rival cars such as the BMW M135i and the Audi RS3. Based on the third generation of the A-Class, the car will have an estimated starting price of 32,000 pounds in the United Kingdom.
This is going to be the very first production AMG to get a transversely mounted engine. It will be a heavily tuned version of the company’s 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, the one that powers the A250 Sport. The version in the upcoming A45 AMG is set to develop approximately 330 hp and a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft thanks to the free flow cylinder head as well as the bespoke induction system, along with other power boosting upgrades. This is going to be the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever made by Mercedes-Benz for a production model.
This power unit will be linked to a dual clutch, seven-speed gearbox which will send the horsepower to the rear wheels. No official details about the performance of the car but according to various sources, the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will be able to do the 0-62 mph sprint in 5.1 seconds, just like the BMW M135i.
What’s even more impressive is that the car promises to be the most economical model in the hot hatch segment thanks to the implementation of several fuel saving technologies like brake energy recuperation and the automatic stop/start system. As far as the suspension is concerned, the A45 AMG will ride on MacPherson strut on the front while at the back it adopts a multi-link layout, borrowed from the aforementioned A250 Sport. For improving on-centre sensitivity and also providing a meatier feel, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz will also modify the electro-mechanical steering system, while the braking system is expected to get bigger vented and crossdrilled discs along with more powerful calipers.
Just like many other AMG models, the upcoming A45 is expected to get a three-stage ESP which will include the “sport handling” mode, allowing the driver of the car to turn off the electronic safety. The car will be wearing a new and more aggressive body kit consisting of a deeper front bumper, widened front fenders, revised front grille, wider sills, carbon fiber-look exterior mirror housings, a new rear bumper which will integrate a diffuser, chromed tail pipes and a prominent spoiler sitting at the top of the rear hatch. Inside the cabin it will feature sport seats, a better trim and improved materials.
Source: Autocar.co.uk
