Less than 24 hours after Audi released details of its new S3 saloon, Mercedes-Benz has fired back with the CLA 45 AMG. Although the standard CLA has yet to go on sale AMG has been developing its performance version alongside the standard road-going model in order to have it available at the same time.
The four-door mid-series 'coupé' is like a baby brother to the sleek CLS, although this AMG version will pack just as big a punch. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 360hp, making it the most powerful engine of its kind currently in production.
Exterior
Mercedes say that any similarity between the CLA 45 AMG and the CLS 63 AMG is 'absolutely intentional'. The new A-Class is a good looking car but the CLA takes some of that style and moves it on quite a bit. The AMG treatment involves larger cooling vents in the front bumper, beefed up sills and rear diffuser finished in matt titanium grey and of course two chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
Interior
Sportiness is the order of the day on the inside of the CLA 45 AMG. The sports seats are finished in blend of Artico (man-made leather) and Dinamica microfibre and are finished in contrasting red stitching. A multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, red seat belts, AMG door sill panels and the AMG Drive Unit all come as standard. The instrument panel and ventilation outlets are finished in brushed aluminium to help keep that premium look and feel.
Mechanicals
AMG has pulled off quite a mechanical feat with the CLA 45's engine. Extracting so much power (along with 450Nm of torque) from a relatively small until was made possible thanks to the use of a twin-scroll turbocharger and some very clever fuel injection strategies. The CLA 45 AMG covers the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.6 seconds yet offers combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km (40.9mpg).
Helping the CLA 45 AMG achieve that time is AMG's 4Matic all-wheel drive system. In normal driving conditions the power is sent to the front wheels, but as soon as any slip is detected at the front tyres, the 4Matic system splits the torque between front and rear axles up to a ratio of 50:50. This performance-orientated system is up to 25 per cent lighter than similar all-wheel drive systems according to Mercedes-Benz.
Anything else?
AMG's "One man, one engine" philosophy is continued with what is a much smaller car than it usually produces. The CLA 45 AMG will be available for order from autumn this year. Pricing and specifications have yet to be confirmed.