MERCEDES-AMG: LITTLE BIG GUNS COMING

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S

Two new Mercedes-AMG models featuring the world’s most powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production are on their way to Australia.

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ hatch and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ four-door coupé not only turn up the power but have been thoroughly redesigned in many areas.

“We have completely redesigned our 45 models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

The engine generates 310 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque and transmits it to all four wheels by way of an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G transmission with eight ratios and gearshifts measured in milliseconds.

The hatch sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, the coupe take an extra tenth due to it being a little heavier, but 4.0 seconds is still pretty quick.

Both models feature an extensively reinforced bodyshell with a lightweight aluminium plate bolted beneath the engine to increase front-end torsional rigidity. Further reinforcement supports the suspension system.

This results in highly precise responses even at the physical limits, giving the driver clearly defined feedback, plus less rolling and pitching on bends, when braking and during load cycles.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive damping system is fitted as standard, and enables the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes, from comfort-focused to sporty. The system automatically, adapts the damping forces for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions.

The high-performance braking system ensures fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances, with six-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 36 millimetre brake discs at the front and single-piston floating callipers with 330 x 22 mm discs at the rear. The discs are internally ventilated and perforated to better dissipate heat and prevent brake fading, even with extreme use.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S

To let others know your Mercedes-AMG means business the brake callipers are painted red with a black AMG logo.

Visual features are an AMG-specific radiator grille with a wider lower contour and 12 vertical louvres; wider front guard; flared wheel arches. The front apron has what AMG calls a “jet-wing” design.

Wider AMG side skirts visually lower the A 45 S 4MATIC+, while the rear view is characterised by two pairs of round 90mm-diameter tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering. The diffuser with two vertical twin fins contributes to aero performance.

Inside is a Burmester surround sound audio system, an AMG Performance steering wheel in black DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, heated and electrically-operated sports seats finished in two-tone leather with contrasting yellow topstitching, brushed aluminium trim, ambient lighting featuring 64 colours, dark-tinted privacy glass and a panoramic glass sunroof.

About Alistair Kennedy

Alistair Kennedy is Automotive News Service and Marque Publishing's business manager and the company's jack-of-all-trades. An accountant by profession, he designs the Marque range of motoring book titles, operates the company's motoring bookshop on the NSW Central Coast and the associated web site, as well as its huge digital and hard copy database. Whenever we can escape from the office he does so to cover new vehicle releases and contributes news stories. Alistair's other interests include cricket and family history on which he has written three books.
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