Having been presented at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG turns out to be quite a staggering piece of automotive industry. You’ve probably guessed already that this is the powerful version of the CLA-Class Mercs, and, even though it boasts a small engine, it packs quite a punch.
In fact, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under its bonnet is able to deliver a sturdy 360 HP at 6,000 RPM and 450 Nm of torque between 2,250-5,000 RPM – quite respectable from an engine able to hold as much liquid as a bottle of coke. Therefore, having been fitted with such top notch parts, more figures come down the alley – the CLA45 AMG is able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). The fuel consumption is staggeringly low, which comes as another plus to this superb car, the CLA45 AMG averaging around 6.9 – 7.1 l/100 km (40.9 UK mpg) combined and CO2 emissions of just between 161 – 165 g/km.
According to Mercedes-Benz officials, the 2.0-liter engine under the bonnet of the CLA45 AMG is the most powerful series-production 4-cylinder engine in the world. They aren’t quite right to be honest – there’s the Mitsubishi Evo FQ400, which, from a similar engine, draws a massive 400 HP. Well, there are even more similarities between the two, like the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. We’ve first thought of the CLA45 AMG as a car ready to join the rally world, but when we saw the transmission, our heads got completely baffled – this car will not be available with manual gearbox. Outrageous idea indeed, as it will only be fitted with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-Speed sports transmission only. Why?? We’ll need answers for that!
The engine of this gorgeous car boasts spray-guided direct petrol injection through piezo injectors, weight-optimized crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimized piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, turbocharger that generates maximum pressure of 1.8 bar, air-water change air cooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function and a gravity-die sandcast all-aluminium crankcase.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG comes with several driving modes like C, S and M for the moment. Taking them individually, the S stands for sport, C stands for Controlled Efficiency, while M stands for manual mode. Furthermore, the 4MATIC system splits the torque between the two axles at a 50:50 ratio. It even comes with a 3-stage ESP and the ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, both of them working together to provide the driver with the possibility of choosing between different settings for the handling of the car. In addition, this Merc was fitted with independent sports suspension, speed-sensitive steering and top notch braking system with 330 x 22 mm discs at the rear and 350 x 32 mm ones at the front.
Appearance-wise, it got festooned with a superbly-looking body kit consisting of a twin blade radiator grille, brand new rear bumper with integrated diffuser, larger side skirts and a brand new front apron. At the rear we notice two chrome-plated twin tailpipes with exhaust flap. The list of optional stuff is quite long as well.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG will reportedly go on sale during this July, while first deliveries will occur in September. Mysteriously, the standard price hasn’t yet been disclosed.
