Mercedes A45 AMG Photos, Live From the Geneva Motor Show
Mercedes’ newest hot hatch – the A45 AMG – will make its official world premiere tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show. But why wait until then?
Spotted uncovered on the show floor on the eve of its big day, this car isn’t bound for the U.S., but it’s a close cousin for the CLA45 AMG that will make it to North American showrooms after its official debut during the New York Auto Show at the end of March.
SEE MORE: 2013 Geneva Motor Show Coverage
Despite being based on a front-wheel drive car, the A45 AMG is no slouch. It boasts 360 hp from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. Not only that, but the motor twists out 332 lb-ft of torque between 2250 and 5000 rpm through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
That power is sent through a new version of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive, which it revamped for the powerful front-drive based car. Power is directed to the fronts first, but a split second of slippage is all it takes to have all fours digging in.
When the A45 AMG reaches the market it will be the first product from the brand’s performance arm to be based on a front-drive car. Despite that, Mercedes also says the car will be able to replicate some of the rear-drive feeling by routing more power to the back wheels.
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
Discuss this story at Mercedes CLA Forum
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
More by Luke Vandezande
Comments
Join the conversation