While we’ve seen our fair share of Mercedes A-Class prototypes running around, this is the first time our spies caught one of the AMG versions being tested on public roads.
And we say one of the AMG versions because unlike the current model, Mercedes is planning to introduce a less powerful model to sit beneath the A45 AMG as part of their plan to expand the AMG range of models on offer.
The new addition to the A-Class range, likely to be called the A40 or the A43 AMG, will use a new turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that pumps out between 310 to 320hp. So, what gives this prototype away?
Look closely and you will spot underneath all this heavy cladding a big additional air intake in the left corner of the front bumper. Add to that a set of bigger, drilled brake discs and a pair of visible exhaust pipes that emitted a deeper sound, according to our spies, and you will realize that this is something much hotter that a regular diesel A-Class.
The new generation of the Mercedes A-Class is going to be based upon an updated version of the current car’s platform, codenamed MFA2. The new platform will bring significant improvements on the cabin’s space along with the desired compatibility with electrified powertrains and some weight savings of around 50kg (101 lbs).
A nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox is expected to replace the old seven-speed unit. As for the king of the range, the A45 AMG is expected to offer around 400hp, or even more than that in a bid to make an Audi RS3 feel ashamed of its specs.
Similarly, the new Mercedes-AMG A43 is gunning for models like the Audi S3 when it will finally arrive in late 2017.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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