The Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 Sportback have been involved in a ding-dong power war for a while now (and the hottest version of the new, fourth-generation A-Class is set to exceed the current RS3-s 294 kW output as the rivalry continues). But, with the impending arrival of a new A35, a fresh battle is brewing.
According to motormag.com.au, the new Mercedes-AMG A35 will be unveiled before the end of 2018, boasting an even higher power output than originally expected (earlier rumours suggested a figure of 224 kW).
The Australian publication reports that the upcoming “baby AMG” will employ a 48-volt mild hybrid system and electric compressor to boost the 2,0-litre turbopetrol mill borrowed from the A250 to “an expected 250 kW and 450 N.m”.
That would make it a fair bit more powerful than the Audi S3 Sportback, which manages 228 kW and 400 N.m from its four-cylinder heart. The rear-wheel-drive BMW M140i, of course, enjoys 250 kW and 500 N.m thanks to its turbocharged inline-six.
The report adds that the A35 will make use of an “Affalterbach-tuned” version of Mercedes-Benz’s latest 4Matic all-wheel-drive arrangement, which uses a faster electro-mechanical clutch for actuation of the rear differential, ditching the previous version’s hydraulic pump.
