Mercedes-Benz has released first details on its upcoming hot hatch, the A45 AMG. It has its sights firmly set on the BMW M135i and Audi RS3.
It’s the German company’s flagship in the A-Class range and comes fitted with a tweaked version of Merc’s 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol unit that does duty in the A250 Sport model. This AMG-tuned unit is said to push out just short of 250 kW and, according to Mercedes, well over 400 N.m of torque. This engine is mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system.
Mercedes-Benz is reported to have said that, “(Our) goal right from the start was to match the output of the larger turbocharged 2,5-litre five-cylinder engine used by the RS3.”
Performance numbers are on hold until the car is officially unveiled later this week, but according to www.autocar.co.uk, “Mercedes-Benz insiders suggest it will match the claimed (0-100 km/h) time of the M135i, which BMW puts at 5,1 seconds for the six-speed manual equipped version.”
The A45 AMG is said to come equipped with stop/start technology, brake-energy recuperation, electro-mechanical steering system, ESP and an extensive body kit that allows it to stand out from the crowd.