Mercedes-Benz engineers were caught by Roman Mica of TFLCar trying out two new models, the A45 AMG hot hatch and the next generation of the S-Class limousine, in Colorado, USA.
The A45 AMG will sit atop of the range of the new A-Class hatchback, which has already amassed more than 40,000 orders a couple of months ahead of launch forcing Mercedes-Benz to expand production by hiring Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive.
The appearance of the prototype model in the U.S. doesn’t change Mercedes-Benz’s decision to not offer the A-Class hatchback in North America.
The German company has revealed that the AMG variant will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 330hp (335PS) linked to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission driving all four wheels.
The same powertrain and driveline will be used on the upcoming CLA 45 AMG compact sports sedan, which will be available in the States.
The second Mercedes-Benz prototype filmed while undergoing high altitude testing in Colorado is the 2014 model year S-Class, which will assume the role of the group’s flagship limousine after Daimler’s decision to kill the underperforming Maybach brand.
The next S-Class will launch in a variety of body styles including the regular sedan, long-wheelbase and extra-long wheelbase models, a high-end Pullman edition and the coupe version replacing the current CL, while there will also be V8- and V12-powered AMG models.
Hat tip to Timothy L. for the video finds!
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