Until the full-blown 45 versions come out, the AMG A35 is the top dog in the new A-Class family.
Naturally, the “baby Merc-AMG” has already attracted the interest of tuners. MKChip-DKR, for one, has developed a new software that increases output to 341 PS (336 hp / 251 kW) and 505 Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque.
By extracting a relatively modest 35 PS (35 hp / 26 kW) and 105 Nm (77 lb-ft) more from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the German tuner claims that the 100-200 km/h (62-124 mph) acceleration has been improved by 1.6 seconds.
Also Watch: Mercedes-AMG A35 Takes On Four Of The Best Hot Hatches Out There
McChip can also increase the top speed to 285 km/h (177 mph) for an extra buck. Furthermore, Stage 1 upgrades are available for other versions of the new-gen A-Class as well, like the A200, A220 and A250 models.
Even in stock form, the new A35 is pretty nifty despite being the weakest AMG model in Merc’s catalogue. The 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes 4.7 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), while its compact proportions, similar performance and all-wheel drive system put it in the same class as the Volkswagen Golf R and all-new BMW M135i, both pretty serious pieces of kit.
Mercedes, though, is getting ready to upstage all of thjem with the new A45. The future Audi RS3 Sportback challenger will become the most powerful production hot hatch in the world, with reports claiming that the A45 S will have as much as 421 PS (415 hp / 310 kW) in “S” guise. Considering that the previous-gen A45 hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds with “only” 381 PS (376 hp / 280 kW) at its disposal, it’s not hard to figure out that the new one might drop to somewhere around 3.5 to 3.7. Which, any way you slice it, is truly mega.
