AMG Builds An STI

by Derek Kreindler

Published: February 13th, 2013

Mercedes-Benz has finally released production photos of the A45 AMG – and while it couldn’t be more different than the rest of the rear-drive, V8 AMG lineup, it looks enticing in its own way.

Motivation comes from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 360 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed DCT gearbox is enlisted to put power through all four wheels. 60 mph comes up in 4.6 seconds, and buyers will be able to choose from two different exhaust systems – hopefully it sounds like an even meaner Fiat 500 Abarth. If you squint really hard, this car seems like an AMG version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Let’s hope Mercedes sees fit to grace us with a CLA45 AMG on these shores.

#A45Amg #HotHatch #Mercedes-Benz #Mercedes-benzA-class

Derek Kreindler

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2 of 28 comments

Marko on Feb 14, 2013

Finally - the performance version of the Hyundai Elantra GT that I've been anxiously awaiting. For once it will live up to the "GT" in its name!

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Roadscholar on Feb 14, 2013

So The Vapors were right all along...turning Japanese is the only road to success.

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Recent Comments

Wjtinfwb Rivaled only by the Prowler and Thunderbird as retro vehicles that missed the mark... by a mile.
Wjtinfwb Tennessee is a Right to Work state. The UAW will have a bit less leverage there than in Michigan, which repealed R t W a couple years ago. And how much leverage will the UAW really have in Chattanooga. That plant builds ID. 4 and Atlas, neither of which are setting the world afire, sales wise. I'd have thought VW would have learned the UAW plays by different rules than the placid German unions from the Westmoreland PA debacle. But history has shown VW to be exceptionally slow learners. Watching with interest.
Ravenuer Haven't seen one of these in years! Forgot they existed.
Pig_Iron I one of those weirdos who liked these.
SCE to AUX Inflation adjusted $79k today (!), so I guess $28k is a bargain....This is another retro car that was trying too hard, but it is very nice.