Mercedes-Benz planning 320 bhp AMG A-Class hot hatch

[keltanky]

Mercedes-Benz intends to heat up the competition in the hot hatch market by introducing an AMG sport variant of the next-generation A-Class, according to a report by British magazine Autocar.

Autocar reports that Mercedes-Benz's performance division is working on a 320 bhp (239 kW / 324 PS) AMG A-Class, possible labeled the A25 AMG, which would compete against other premium hot compacts such as the BMW 1-Series M Coupe and the Audi RS3. The model will come with a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine and also be fitted with an all-wheel drive system.

The next-generation A-Class, codenamed the W176, will also feature a more traditional hatch shape, Golf-style, and lose much of its tall-compact design.

The AMG A-Class will come with specially-styled bumpers, large sills, 18-inch wheels and chrome exhaust pipes. A concept version of the model will debut at the Shanghai motor show in 2011 with a market launch scheduled for September 2012, according to Autocar sources.

Engineers at AMG are working on a mechanical twin-scroll turbo for the 2.0 liter petrol unit aiming for that power output of around 324 PS (320 bhp).

AMG engineers will also be employing a new 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission, a Haldex-like all wheel drive system with multi-plate clutch and an electronically operated torque-vectoring clutch configured for a rear-drive bias and a performance-favoring drive-line.

[Guest JGoh]

Mercedes Responds With a 320 Horsepower Hot Hatch

By MBWorld.org Editors on December 17, 2010

320 hp hot hatch Mercedes Responds With a 320 Horsepower Hot Hatch

Responding to the mailed fist hot hatches unleashed by Audi and BMW, Mercedes-Benz, through its AMG division, has announced its intention to release its challenger to the Audi A3 and BMW M-modified 1-series.

The AMG division will release a 320 hp 3rd-gen A-Klasse in 2012, the power coming from a turbocharged 2-liter inline 4. A preview of the car will be on the stand at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.

Using Mercedes' MFA architecture for its platform, the hot A-Class will sport a rear-biased Haldex all-wheel-drive system, with the rear axle controlled by an electronically operated torque-vectoring clutch. The powertrain is expected to be a multivalve all-aluminum engine with a twin-scroll turbo coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

As Mercedes' hot hatch will be the latecomer in the game, it will be interesting to see how the hot A-Class will fare against the 8-minute lap established by the BMW 1M at the Nurburgring. Interesting times for this segment of the industry.

[Guest YEN96]

wow..really looks wicked man ...wonder wats the ballpark figure...i see it above $250K