In an interview with Australia’s caradvice.com.au at the French showpiece, AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that the A45 would not only sport an all-new four-wheel drive system, but also the brand’s equally novel eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox that debuted in the new B-class.
He also verified previous claims that the A45 would produce over 400 horsepower or 298kW from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and that it will also get a new chassis with the four-wheel drive system itself capable of holding the car sideways, effectively confirming the presence of a Drift mode.
“The chassis compared to today... it's unbelievable. We have various suspension in the car and it's an improvement in every perspective. There's more comfort, more rigidity in every way, so we put a lot of effort into the body in white. There's lots of reinforcement and it fits perfectly.Okay... you can go sideways with it,” Moers said.
Due at a later stage though, Mercedes-AMG will roll-out an even more powerful version expected to carry either the A45 S or A50 moniker, that could possibly also use the brand’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system that first debuted on the E53 and CLS 53. At the same time, both models will also be offered as a sedan in markets like North America where the hatch is not sold.
Despite having been extensively spotted out testing on a number of occasions this year, Mercedes-AMG is only due to officially reveal the A45 next year.
IMAGES from motor1.com
