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Mercedes Gives Us A Consolation Prize
by
Derek Kreindler
(IC: employee)
Just because the Mercedes A45 AMG isn’t coming to America doesn’t mean that Daimler forgot about us. Instead, we’ll get the three-box version.
The CLA45 AMG is mechanically identical to the A45 – same ultra-boosted 2.0L 4-banger with 360 horsepower, same dual-clutch gearbox and yes, the red brake calipers and Recaro seats made it over as well. 60 mph should come up in 4.5 seconds, which is actually a tick faster than the quoted time for the hatch. Even though it lacks the brutality and belligerence of the great V8 powered AMG models, I cannot imagine how much fun this thing will be in the snow, what with 360 horsepower and all-wheel drive…
Discuss this more at our Mercedes CLA Forum
Derek Kreindler
More by Derek Kreindler
Published March 20th, 2013 11:25 AM
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Maybe I'll check it out in 4 or 5 years when it's worth $15k. Thanks to the suckers who eat all of the infamous AMG depreciation for the rest of us!
I was going to make an SVT Contour joke, but the CLA is seriously growing on me (at least this AMG version). I still think it looks stubby, but that doesn't matter when you're inside driving it.
This serves as a reminder that Mercedes and Mitsubishi were married for years.
I look forward to seeing this car, and its less enhanced stablemates.