New York Auto Show: I Spy A Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG: Comments

[William Maley]

By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 19, 2013

The least expensive AMG (in the U.S.) has broken cover before its debut at the New York Auto Show.

Meet the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and think of it as the A45 AMG in a sedan form. Under the skin is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder packing a 355 horsepower mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox Mercedes’ latest 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Outside, the CLA45 gets the typical AMG treatment; large air scoops on the front, black front lip kit, AMG wheels, rear diffuser, and a set of unique exhaust pipes.

We'll have more information and pictures when the CLA45 AMG makes it debut next week.

Source: CarScoop

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[dwightlooi]

A more luxuriously appointed version of a Lancer Evolution on over-boost is unique. It really takes about 26~27 psi of boost to make a turbocharged powerplant shine over its larger displacement, lower specific output, alternatives. The problem of course is that any such engine will take a while to go from vacuum to full boost making the driving experience sub-optimal.

Where that "45" comes from is lost on me though. The engine is clearly not 4.5 liters and does not reflect the output of a Mercedes' 4.5 liter naturally aspirated engine.

[G. David Felt]

For what they will charge for this car, I would pass as it is an AMG with an Over Boosted 4 banger that I expect will have a short life as an engine.

With all the Nanny devices being rammed down our throats, there is no way this will be light enough to be a worthwhile driving machine.

MB Lemmings will flock to it, but once they own it they will regret the crazy money they spent on it.