The Mercedes-AMG 45, presently on sale in the international market, is a hot hatch that churns 376bhp and 475Nm torque. This is the second generation of the Mercedes A-class, first launched globally in 2012. Now, we hear that the next-generation hot hatch is expected to make over 400bhp.
The new car has been labelled ‘Predator’ by company insiders and is expected to undergo a distinctive change with a new chassis and a recalibrated all-wheel drive system that features torque vectoring. The new car is expected to house the same engine, but has been tweaked for more power. The new state of tune will let the engine have more than 200bhp per litre than the 189bhp per litre of the current A45. A newly developed nine-speed DCT gearbox by Mercedes is expected to make its way in to the 2019 A45’s drive train.
As far the looks are concerned, the new Mercedes-AMG A45 will take its styling cues from the Concept A-class sedan and follow the family design as well.
Mercedes officials have also confirmed a second AMG version of the next A-Class, which is going to be positioned underneath the A45. “We’ve identified a market for a milder AMG model positioned below the A45 4Matic. The strategy is going to be similar to that seen further up the line-up, where our various ‘43’ models support the ‘63’ models.” said AMG boss Tobias Moers. The new lower AMG model is reportedly going to adopt the A32 or the A36 nameplate.
It is expected that the manufacturer will showcase the 2019 A45 in the 2018 Geneva Motor Show or the Paris Motor Show. It is also unlikely that the AMG A45 will be considered for the Indian market. However, the third-generation A-class will find its way down here in early 2019.
When launched internationally, the lower AMG variant will rival with the Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus RS and the Renault Megan RS in the international market. The new 400bhp plus AMG A45 will compete against the Audi RS3 and BMW M2.
