LA Auto Show: AMG Works Its Magic On The Mercedes-Benz GLA: Comments

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 20, 2013

This is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG, which is a way of saying this is a lighly-veiled concept of the GLA45 AMG that will be coming within the next couple of years.

The Concept GLA45 AMG uses the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as found in the CLA45 AMG. Boasting 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all-wheel drive; the Concept GLA45 AMG can hit 60 MPH in less than five seconds.

Aside from the livery with the number 45, the concept has number of exterior changes such as a rear spoiler, side sills, new front end, and a set of twenty-one alloy wheels.

"With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition," said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board for AMG.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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.

Press Release is on Page 2

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A look forward to the new SUV from Mercedes-AMG

November 20, 2013 - Affalterbach/Los Angeles

Mercedes-AMG will present its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Concept GLA45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition."

Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds demonstrates the performance dynamic that is a hallmark of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the Concept GLA45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.

Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design

Stunning engineering is combined with breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange, to command attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG highperformance braking system with red brake calipers.

The AMG front apron with its large front splitter in high-gloss black, the black flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number "45" on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the "twin-blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a "TURBO AMG" badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.

Sporty wraps and red highlights

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear spoiler. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system which features and an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the AMG signature exhaust note.

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[G. David Felt]

WOW, an overpriced ugly station wagon, but then Europe seems to still love their station wagons so I guess it should do OK there. Good Luck, wonder just how many of the current version they are selling? It cannot be much I would think.

[Drew Dowdell]

so.. the numbers in AMG mean absolutely nothing now?