Pocket rocket Merc hits the road
Bobby Cheetham
MERCEDES-BENZ South Africa has launched one of the hottest cars around!
The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is arguably one of the quickest pocket rockets available.
With a maximum output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world.
The sensational power density of 133kW outstrips even the most powerful super sports cars.
The super hot hatch accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed stands at 250km/h (electronically limited).
At the same time, the engine also boasts very good efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard.
The A 45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100km in NEDC combined mode.
The performance-orientated AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive onboard the A 45 AMG sets new standards in the car's segment.
The substance of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle architecture for front- and all-wheel drive provides the perfect basis for the A 45 AMG and at least two other high-performance premium automobiles from Affalterbach.
In designing and developing the A 45 AMG, the experts at AMG have drawn on the company's decades of experience in motorsport and the production of powerful, high-performance vehicles.
The sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap.
This technology, which is familiar from the SLK 55 AMG, reconciles the two apparently conflicting aims of tangible dynamism and hallmark comfort on long journeys.
The flap is continuously adjusted by map control according to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed.
The two striking tailpipes of the sports exhaust system emit a fascinating, full engine sound which is particularly impressive during powerful acceleration.
The new AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is hand-built according to the traditional AMG philosophy of "one man, one engine".
An exclusive assembly line has been set up for the new AMG engine at the Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda – where all BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines are built for the A- and B-Class models.
The new vehicle comes with variable, performance-oriented all-wheel drive as standard.
In developing this all-wheel drive, the focus firmly was on performance and dynamism.
The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the seven-speed sports transmission.
It does not possess an oil circuit of its own.
Instead, it is supplied with lubricant from the oil circuit of the sports transmission.
This configuration gives rise to substantial weight advantages in comparison to rival systems which branch off power by means of an add-on component with its own oil circuit.
The A 45 AMG comes standard with a class-leading six-year/100000km PremiumDrive maintenance plan with no customer contribution.
Priced at R599500 including VAT (excluding CO emissions tax), it is expensive, but at the price is cheap if one is after a true sports car with magical performance credentials.
