The Mercedes GLA may still be as fresh as an orange, but the German carmaker is already determined to give us the AMG version. The carmaker used the LA Auto Show to present the Concept GLA 45 AMG.
In order to easily understand this car, we have to think in LEGO terms a little bit. The GLA is a compact crossover riding on Mercedes’ (Modular Front Architecture) platform. Thus, it comes natural for this hot version to borrow its engine from the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG.
This means the crossover is powered by the M133 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. This offers 360 HP and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque, sending the crossover past the 62 mph mark in less than five seconds.
The GLA45 AMG is set to become the fastest model in its segment, with the car expected to debut at the 2014 NAIAS in Detroit. As an interesting fact, Mercedes will introduce the “regular” GLA in the US later in the year.
“With the Concept GLA 45 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,” Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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