The second generation of the ballistic Mercedes-AMG A45 is shaping up to be one of the biggest weapons in the hot hatch segment.
Not that the current generation lacks in anything, but Mercedes is keen to up the ante with the new generation model in order to keep rivals like the Audi RS3 at bay.
Autocar reports that the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A45 is going to feature an extensively reworked version of the M133 2.0-litre turbo engine, which is targeting to offer the highest specific output of any AMG production car engine.
More specifically, the new engine will offer more than 200hp per liter, whereas the current model offers 189hp per liter. The reworked M133 engine will feature a twinscroll turbocharger but AMG is also planning a more powerful, hybrid version of the same engine for future use, complete with a 48V electrical system and an electrically-driven turbocharger.
The new model, which is nicknamed ‘the Predator’ by company insiders, will be able of a 0-62mph in less than four seconds, with the current model scoring 4.2 seconds for the same procedure.
A nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox along with a faster-reacting all-wheel drive system that features torque vectoring will be responsible for putting the increased power to good use. But we’re not done yet.
Mercedes has also confirmed a second AMG version of the next A-Class, which is going to be positioned underneath the A45. The new model is reportedly going to adopt the A32 or the A36 nameplate and will challenge models like the VW Golf R and the Ford Focus RS, featuring more than 300hp.
“We’ve identified a market for a milder AMG model positioned below the A45 4Matic,” said AMG boss Tobias Moers. “The strategy is going to be similar to that seen further up the line-up, where our various ‘43’ models support the ‘63’ models.”
As for the looks, the next Mercedes-AMG A45 will draw its inspiration from the Concept A Saloon, with the company saying that the customer feedback has encouraged them to give the new hyper hatch a more extreme design than that of the current model.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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