Photo: screenshot from Youtube
If you've just ordered a brand new Audi RS Q3, we have bad news for you. Pretty soon, its Mercedes rival will have 40 horsepower more from a smaller 2-liter turbo engine.
The A45 AMG was a hot topic this weekend when Mercedes revealed the mid-life facelift. Cosmetic changes were subtle, so the real difference was made by the 2-liter turbo, which has been pumped up to 381 PS and 475 Nm of torque.
Two more AMG models use the same powertrain, and they too will get power bumps. Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers told British magazine Autocar that these changes will occur immediately.
In a real-world race, the A45 AMG and RS3 are probably going to be closely matched (0.1 seconds between them on paper). However, the same can't be said about the RS Q3, which is going to be seriously down on power. Maybe that's why Audi has re-started testing it at the Nurburgring.
All models in the "45 AMG" range will be available with a limited-slip differential for the front axle. When? Probably as early as this September's Frankfurt Motor Show.
However, no cosmetic changes will be made until the facelifts for these respective models come out (at least another year).
As things stand, these models will be the target of as much envy as controversy. Some suggest these overpowered 2-liter engines are unreliable and not worthy of the AMG badge, while others say they are pointless. But if they weren't selling, Mercedes wouldn't be investing this much money in upgrades.
Two more AMG models use the same powertrain, and they too will get power bumps. Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers told British magazine Autocar that these changes will occur immediately.
Audis are getting slaughtered: the horror, the horror
We have to tip our hat to Mercedes-AMG for squeezing 190 horsepower per liter. Meanwhile, Audi's engineers said "no, we can't" to adding more power for the 2.5-liter TFSI, which is now stuck at 367 PS.In a real-world race, the A45 AMG and RS3 are probably going to be closely matched (0.1 seconds between them on paper). However, the same can't be said about the RS Q3, which is going to be seriously down on power. Maybe that's why Audi has re-started testing it at the Nurburgring.
Other upgrades for the hot CLA and GLA
Small revisions are also being made to the 7-speed DCT gearbox shared by these pocket-sized speed machines. Shorter 3rd to 7th gears could be the reason Mercedes has shaved 0.4 seconds off the A45's sprint time using only 21 PS.All models in the "45 AMG" range will be available with a limited-slip differential for the front axle. When? Probably as early as this September's Frankfurt Motor Show.
However, no cosmetic changes will be made until the facelifts for these respective models come out (at least another year).
As things stand, these models will be the target of as much envy as controversy. Some suggest these overpowered 2-liter engines are unreliable and not worthy of the AMG badge, while others say they are pointless. But if they weren't selling, Mercedes wouldn't be investing this much money in upgrades.
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