Although all eyes were on the Mercedes-AMG
A35 at the 2018 Paris motor show, it's the upcoming A45 that promises
real performance credentials. Now we have the latest details on the AMG A45 hot
hatchback straight from AMG boss Tobias Moers.
The chairman of the management board of Mercedes-AMG
told Car Advice in a Tuesday report the next-generation A45
will be an "all-new story" and it has "nothing in common with
what you know today." Specifically, he said the A-Class based hot hatch
will boast an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, unlike the A35's
7-speed dual-clutch.
Additionally, a new all-wheel-drive system will give the AMG
A45 the capability to keep sideways, effectively, a "drift mode." Car
Advice reported that the technology powering the sideways action will
likely be computer-controlled and come from the E63. The tech gives even novice
drivers the ability to take the car sideways with little to no effort required
for the fun.
Sending power to all four wheels will likely be a 2.0-liter
turbocharged inline-4 engine. The current mill makes 375 horsepower, but the
next A45 will produce over 400 hp, according to Moers. It
will also give the A45 plenty of distance apart from the A35, which was
revealed with a 302-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. Its
performance specs also put it on par with the current A45, which gives the
latter plenty of space to grow.
Aside from the added power and other goodies, AMG has worked
over the chassis and frame to ensure a proper driving experience. Moers said
AMG's additions have been an "improvement in every perspective" and
the A45 will be more comfortable and rigid.
The next AMG A45 may not be the end of the line either.
Rumors peg a hotter A45 S to arrive following the standard car, which will give
AMG devotees plenty of options when it comes to performance hatchbacks. In the
U.S., we'll make do with a future A35 sedan instead.
No comments:
Post a Comment