Mercedes' works on the A-Class is no news. The German automaker's new A35 hatchback which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this year was barely a curtain raiser to what the company is planning up ahead.
Reports suggest that Mercedes is planning to introduce a sedan under the same nameplate, exclusively for the US markets. These models are the first of the eight body styles that are planned for Mercedes' new generation of compacts. We learn that this series of cars will be a direct replacement for the current crop of 45 series.
New spy-shots and a video of a prototype for the A45 hatch was accessed by Motor Authority. We know this is the A45 based on its lower height and wider front fenders than the standard A-Class. Apart from that, we could also see the quad-exhaust tips that typically differentiate the A45 from the dual-tipped A35.
Other visual indicators on the prototype included AMG-style wheels, performance brakes, and enlarged intakes in the front fascia. We could also spot the vertical slats of the AMG specific Panamericana grille.
Mercedes AMG's compact line-up currently stands with A45 hatch, CLA45 sedan and GLA45 SUV which comes with a top rating of 375 horsepower. However, we expect the next-gen range to be rated up of 400 horses to ensure a fair competition against the Audi Sports counterparts.
The new A-Class is expected to be powered by an uprated version of AMG's 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine. However, the company might be planning new tweaks including new fuel injectors, a new turbocharger and changes to the combustion process.
Apart from the new engine set-up, we learn that the car will also benefit from an eight-speed DCT transmission and drift mode. Triple-digit speed capabilities are expected to be clocked under 4 seconds with a restricted top speed of 250kph.
(Image source: Motor Authority)
