Photo: CarPix
The current generation of the A-Class was a home run for Mercedes-Benz, especially since its MFA (Modular Front-wheel-drive Architecture) platform spawned the highest number of related models to date, all of them high-sellers.
Hot-hatch fans should contain their enthusiasm, though, because MFA2 will bring even more compact models under the three-pointed star umbrella. One of them is the upcoming 2019 Mercedes-AMG A40, which will help Mercedes-Benz finally battle the Audi S3 and the BMW M140i from equal footing.
As most of you know, the current A-Class only has eyes for the Audi RS3 in the shape of the Mercedes-AMG A45, but that will change when the next generation arrives.
Spotted for the first time on the road by our spy photographers, the highly camouflaged A-Class in the adjacent photo gallery is the long-rumored Mercedes-AMG A40, which will slot right between the future A250 and the hardcore A45.
Powered by a detuned version of the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hood of its more fierce brother, the Mercedes-AMG A40 should be good for around 340 horsepower and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Expect a high number of pops and bangs from the optional AMG Performance exhaust to make their presence heard as well.
Thanks to a slightly lower mass, an all-wheel-drive system, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the “warm” Mercedes hatch should make the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in under 4.5 seconds and be almost as fast as the current A45 overall.
For those wondering why such a small power difference compared to the 376 HP (381 PS) A45, we should probably remind you that the A45 part deux is expected to pass the 400 horsepower mark, thus entering supercar territory regarding acceleration numbers.
The A40 is expected to be unveiled soon after the regular A-Class W177, whose launch should take place at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Market launch is set for late 2017 or early 2018, making it a 2019 model, just like its steroid-infused bigger brother. The future of downsizing sure looks bright from a Mercedes-AMG perspective, doesn't it?
As most of you know, the current A-Class only has eyes for the Audi RS3 in the shape of the Mercedes-AMG A45, but that will change when the next generation arrives.
Spotted for the first time on the road by our spy photographers, the highly camouflaged A-Class in the adjacent photo gallery is the long-rumored Mercedes-AMG A40, which will slot right between the future A250 and the hardcore A45.
Powered by a detuned version of the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hood of its more fierce brother, the Mercedes-AMG A40 should be good for around 340 horsepower and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Expect a high number of pops and bangs from the optional AMG Performance exhaust to make their presence heard as well.
Thanks to a slightly lower mass, an all-wheel-drive system, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the “warm” Mercedes hatch should make the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in under 4.5 seconds and be almost as fast as the current A45 overall.
For those wondering why such a small power difference compared to the 376 HP (381 PS) A45, we should probably remind you that the A45 part deux is expected to pass the 400 horsepower mark, thus entering supercar territory regarding acceleration numbers.
The A40 is expected to be unveiled soon after the regular A-Class W177, whose launch should take place at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Market launch is set for late 2017 or early 2018, making it a 2019 model, just like its steroid-infused bigger brother. The future of downsizing sure looks bright from a Mercedes-AMG perspective, doesn't it?
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