Codename: Predator
Stuttgart officials let some info slip on the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A45, and if what they say is true, we’ll see the pumped-up hot hatch reach new performance heights.
Apparently, extreme is the way to go for the second-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 as it looks to overthrow the efforts of Audi’s RS3, VW’s Golf R and BMW’s M2.
According to Autocar, the new A45 won’t be a hybrid and will instead draw its strength from a petrol-powered engine. That is, the M133 turbocharged 2-liter unit re-tuned to deliver more than 400 hp.
Subsequently, Affalterbach engineers will also tweak the car’s gearbox (likely to be a nine-speed, dual-clutch unit) and all-wheel-drive setup so they can welcome the power bump more efficiently and allow the very-hot-hatch to take “the next step in every perspective, including driving dynamics.”
The same media outlet spoke with AMG chief exec Tobias Moers, who revealed his company “identified a market for a milder AMG model positioned below the A45 4Matic,” which could crystalize under the A35 nameplate and make a debut before the second-gen Merc-AMG A45. We’ll see.
Some weeks ago, our spy photographers had a close encounter with a Mercedes-AMG A45 test mule which sported the sleek Panamericana grille and imposing quad exhaust.
Pictured: Artist’s impression of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class