Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers has confirmed that the new A45 will employ a “brand new” 2,0-litre engine making more than 300 kW.
Speaking to motoring.com.au at the Geneva International Motor Show, Moers revealed that the turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine in the upcoming A45 would have “nothing in common” with the 280 kW unit powering the current version of Benz’s hyper hatch.
“The A45 that’s coming, I think it’s going to be the benchmark in that segment; this for us is the task,” Moers told the Australian publication. “It’s going to be 400-plus horsepower [298 kW-plus].”
Such an output would give the new Mercedes-AMG A45 bragging rights over the 294 kW Audi RS3 Sportback (and the 272 kW BMW M2).
“What we are doing for the next generation is we’re engineering a brand-new engine, a 2,0-litre engine that is everything new; nothing in common with the [current engine],” Moers added.
“We’re developing a brand-new 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of 400-plus horsepower. But that doesn’t make sense unless you have driving dynamics equal. I’m not a fan of over-powered cars.”
Interestingly, the report added that Moers ruled out any form of mild-hybrid assistance for the new A45. He also revealed that a new all-wheel-drive system was being developed for the vehicle.
“Power output is nothing without the driving dynamics which is able to follow the power output,” Moers said.
Before the new A45 arrives, rumour has it that Mercedes-AMG will introduce a slightly softer A35 derivative.
