400bhp hot hatch
AMG readies ‘unbelievable’ A45
The upcoming Mercedesamg A45, due in 2019, will have a power output in excess of 400bhp to make it the most powerful hot hatchback in the world.
Speaking to Autocar at the launch of the Mercedes-amg A35 at the Paris motor show, AMG boss Tobias Moers said the A45 was the “next level of performance” for AMG in the hot hatch class.
He confirmed that power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine due in “another year” will offer up more than 400 metric horsepower, meaning an output of around 410hp (404bhp) is expected.
But Moers said the A45, which features a “totally new engine”, was “not just a power output” and would be a more engaging drive all round. He added: “It’s a better ride, better handling. There is no understeer. It’s an unbelievable car and you feel every corner at the Nordschleife. We’re very focused on chassis stiffness.”
Moers said the A35 now represents the new entry point to the Mercedes-amg brand and it has been benchmarked against the Volkswagen Golf R. But as with any new segment Mercedes-amg enters, the target is to become the new benchmark.
The handling of the A35 goes beyond “the A45 of today, if not more”, said Moers, calling it a “more playful thing”. It will be launched in the UK early next year, with orders being taken from later this month.
At the other end of AMG’S range, Moers said development of the new One hypercar remains ongoing and progress has been made following some issues around the emissions of its 1.6-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain. “This took more time, but now we see progress,” said Moers.
When asked if there are plans to follow the One with a Two, Moers said it is something that “maybe we think about in the future” but for now Mercedes-amg is focused on getting the One ready for production next year.
Moers also hinted that the Black Series badge is to return soon on the Mercedes-amg GT.