The Mercedes-AMG A 45 mega hatch has been spotted once again, apparently on a final test phase before making its world debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March. It’s been spotted multiple times before, but this is the first time the test mule has been spotted wearing a funky, colourful camouflage wrap – the same one that was shown in a Christmas teaser video, in fact.
As previously reported, much of the car will be based on the existing W177 A-Class, but the range-topping model will sport a meaner front fascia (along with a Panamericana grille), which is unapologetically hinted by the awful-looking white masking. Everything else seems pretty much production-ready, the extent of which will be revealed in full on the sacred grounds of the Geneva show.
Autocar was given a ride in the A 45 recently and managed to revealed some key stats. The car will apparently use a new 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, a development of the M260 mill currently found in the A 250 and A 35. In standard form, it will reportedly make 388 hp, just seven more than the outgoing model – however, there will also be an A 45 S for the first time that will churn out a whopping 422 hp.
It will be paired to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (one more ratio compared to the old A 45) and a new active all-wheel drive system, featuring a similar Drift Mode to the E 63. The system will be able to send close to 100% of torque to the rear axle, up to 100% of which can be sent to either rear wheel through the use of twin clutches. Sounds familiar? That’s exactly the kind of setup employed by the latest Focus RS.
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The camo artwork is quite similar to those backdrop display used for KL SEA Games 2017.
This is what you call hard work. Mercedes engineers work hard to do research and development to now being able to squeeze 422bhp from a mere 2.0 engine
This is why it is important for engineers and designers not to goyang kaki in office and try to constantly improve their products and invent new things.
Wow, looks good. I hope no Proton fanboy will come here and say their Proton X70 also got this technology from Mercedes. Lately Proton fanboys keep on telling Prootn X70 got AMG Technology in their X70 because Geely owns 10% of Mercedes AG Germany shares.
Who will want the A45 when there’s a S variant with God like power from a tiny 2000cc engine which only commands a cheap road tax and will eat supercars for lunch?