Photo: CarPix
Want proof that technology from race cars is still tricking down to ones you can buy? This brand new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 could offer just that because it's rumored that it will feature an electric supercharger system that helps it deliver over 400 horsepower without too much lag.
We've seen the new A45... or A50 on quite a few occasions already, but these happen to be the first spyshots of the CLA 45 model, which unlike the hatchback, will be offered Stateside.
No, we know it's the CLA 45 because of the large "Panamerica" grille design, which Mercedes-AMG only sticks onto its cool cars. It sticks further from the nose of the CLA and generally makes it look cooler.
In fact, this is the first time we felt satisfied with the design of the new model, and it's because of an extra layer of aggression. You've got bigger air intakes, larger wheels, lower suspension, a diffuser and four large exhaust tips. For extra downforce, they're also re-shaping the trunk lid to provide downforce.
Getting back to the issue of electric supercharging, it's a really cool air compressor. A 48V battery should be powering a motor which feeds more cold air to the 2-liter engine, compensating for turbo lag. Mercedes needs this because it's hoping to deliver over 200 horsepower per liter of displacement.
In addition to that, the CLA 45 might have an electric motor between its 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed gearbox, just like the CLS 53. Now, we admit that it's over-complicated in the extreme. But Mercedes themselves have promised something special and constantly talked about having more than 400 horsepower.
Plus, prices are pretty much guaranteed to go up significantly, as Mercedes is also working on a CLA 35 with 340 horsepower. And when have you ever seen German cars that don't become more expensive from one generation to the next?
With a 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) time of 4 seconds or less, the CLA 45 will be way quicker than a Porsche Cayman costing similar money. But the question is: do you want this thing or a real sports car?
No, we know it's the CLA 45 because of the large "Panamerica" grille design, which Mercedes-AMG only sticks onto its cool cars. It sticks further from the nose of the CLA and generally makes it look cooler.
In fact, this is the first time we felt satisfied with the design of the new model, and it's because of an extra layer of aggression. You've got bigger air intakes, larger wheels, lower suspension, a diffuser and four large exhaust tips. For extra downforce, they're also re-shaping the trunk lid to provide downforce.
Getting back to the issue of electric supercharging, it's a really cool air compressor. A 48V battery should be powering a motor which feeds more cold air to the 2-liter engine, compensating for turbo lag. Mercedes needs this because it's hoping to deliver over 200 horsepower per liter of displacement.
In addition to that, the CLA 45 might have an electric motor between its 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed gearbox, just like the CLS 53. Now, we admit that it's over-complicated in the extreme. But Mercedes themselves have promised something special and constantly talked about having more than 400 horsepower.
Plus, prices are pretty much guaranteed to go up significantly, as Mercedes is also working on a CLA 35 with 340 horsepower. And when have you ever seen German cars that don't become more expensive from one generation to the next?
With a 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) time of 4 seconds or less, the CLA 45 will be way quicker than a Porsche Cayman costing similar money. But the question is: do you want this thing or a real sports car?
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