Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new-generation A45 and A45 S hot hatchbacks at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, ahead of its launch which is planned in later this year. The A45 and the A45 S are the AMG performance iterations of the A-Class hatchback.
The Mercedes-AMG models employ a designated M139 production series engine which is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder motor likely to be offered in two states of tune. In the standard A45, the engine is expected to develop 387 HP of power and 480 Nm of torque and on the A45 S model the engine is likely to develop 421 HP of power and 500 Nm of torque. The A45 will be able to sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4 seconds with a top speed limited to 250 kmph. On the other hand, the A45 S can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed limited to 270 kmph.
The engine is paired to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission with a newly developed multi-plate clutch and a 4-Matic+ four-wheel drive system. The 4-Matic+ system features an AMG torque control system which can vary the amount of drive sent to each rear wheel using electronically controlled clutches within the rear axle. This can be used to send the majority of the drive to the rear wheels when the car is used in the new Drift Mode function included on the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
The electronic package includes six driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Race and Individual. The Race mode on the A45 comes as an option with the AMG Dynamic Plus package and as standard on the A45 S model.
In terms of styling, the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the A45 S feature a vertically slated grille design with a splitter integrated bumper and large air intakes with aero features on the front bumper. The profile has sculpted fenders and 18-inch wheels on the A45 while the A45 S gets 19-inch wheels. The rear bumper continues the aero design and comes with quad rounded exhaust finishers, a large diffuser and a tailgate mounted spoiler.
The A45 and the A45 S are expected to be launched in 2020, but the performance models may not make it to the Indian shores anytime soon.
