NAIAS 2013: It is apparent that AMG Engineers cannot be left to their own devices. They turned their voracious appetites on the all-new CLA and turned it into an all-wheel drive rocket: the all-new CLA45 AMG. A hand-built turbocharged four-cylinder produces 355-horsepower and 332 lbs-feet of torque, the CLA45 is good for a 4.5-second 0-60 mph sprint.
AMG is gradually phasing out the naturally aspirated, iron-fisted 6.2-litre V8 with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 in the big cars. The CLA 45 AMG packs 354 bhp, 331 lb ft. of torque. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. All this is compliments of an AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world.
Impressive quality, high-grade materials and all the dynamism and exclusivity commonly associated with Mercedes-AMG – the interior of the CLA 45 AMG leaves nothing to be desired. Sports seats, multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, brushed aluminum trim of the instrument panel and the five galvanized ventilation outlets. Information is provided by the AMG instrument cluster with its central color display, the full gamut of AMG electronic performance trackers, engine doo-dads and AMG door-sill panels all come as standard.
Frugal buyers could argue that one CLA 45 AMG costs as much as two V-6 Mustangs and that for your hard-earned $47,450; you could also buy an Audi S4 or a BMW 135i. None of the above mentioned competitors have the panache or attention to build quality synonymous with Mercedes. The Audi is even heavier and slower for the same amount of money.
Perhaps it was appropriate that Dieter Zetsche had superstar singer, Usher Raymond join him in introducing the CLA45 AMG to the world. A top-rate performer introducing a top-rate performer. If you want to get in with the cool kids and get access to the horsepower playground, The CLA45 will get you the lowest-priced AMG tickets in; but, you certainly won’t be in the cheap seats.
AMG’s introduction of the CLA45 was not the only news from horsepower headquarters. Enjoy this video featuring the upper echelon of the family (here).
Enjoy this video of the Mercedes-Benz GL!
