Paris show: Mercedes-AMG working on 320kW A45
BY RON HAMMERTON | 3rd Oct 2018
MERCEDES-AMG is developing an all-new engine for the next-generation hardcore A45 AMG that should kick sand in the eyes of rivals when it lands in Australian showrooms late next year or early 2020 to complete the new A-Class range.
AMG chairman Tobias Moers confirmed at the Paris motor show this week that the turbocharged engine being developed from scratch by AMG would have more than 300kW of power.
This would put it ahead of Audi’s 294kW 2.5-litre RS3 that comes in Sportback hatch and sedan guise.
GoAuto understands the engine could have as much as 320kW of power – a boost of 40kW over the current 280kW 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A45 AMG.
Mr Moers said that apart from the power boost, the next A45 would have more fun factor, including a drift mode.
In Paris, Mercedes-AMG wheeled out its 225kW/400Nm A35 that is due to enter Australian showrooms in the second half of next year.
The A35, with an engine derived from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder produced by parent company Mercedes-Benz, will become the most affordable AMG model when it lands.
According to Mr Moers, this engine will spawn a family of four or five ‘35’ sports machines, being transplanted into Mercedes’ other compact models such as the CLA and GLA.
Despite the lower power output of the A35 compared with the A45, Mr Moers described it as “a real AMG”, but said the new-generation A45 would be “a whole other story”.
The A45 is expected to follow the A35 onto the Australian market, perhaps about the end of 2019 or early 2020.
Pricing for the A35 and A45 will be released closer to launch. The current A45 sells for $78,240 plus on-road costs.
