Mercedes-Benz Definitely Planning A-class AMG, 300-Plus-HP Turbo Four Possible

Mercedes-Benz Definitely Planning A-class AMG, 300-Plus-HP Turbo Four Possible
It�s not just twin-turbocharged V-12s that demonstrate the hunger for power that gnaws at AMG engineers�it�s also the way Mercedes-Benz�s performance sub-brand massages virtually everything the company makes. Even the Gel�ndewagen and its humble, militarized 1970s-era architecture is turned into the G55 AMG. With Benz�s A-class concept presaging a production model, we�ve received confirmation from Mercedes insiders that it, too, will be treated to a trip to the AMG spa.
The upcoming third-gen A-class�which we recently reported will be sold in the U.S. in sedan, crossover, and three- and five-door hatch forms�will be the first ever A to get the treatment. (Word is that executives didn�t think the wobbly econobox deserved an AMG badge in the past.) We expect the engine will be a highly tuned four cylinder. It�ll likely spring from the same family of four-bangers as the 2.0-liter found in the concept�s engine bay, and should make substantially over 300 hp with the aid of forced induction.
Although the new A-class will, like the first two generations, utilize front-wheel drive, Merc�s engineers have told us that the platform is being prepared for all-wheel drive; we expect that layout to be exploited in most performance models to banish any worries about torque steer. Given the sad reality that AMG has never built a volume production model with a manual gearbox, you can bank mortgage money on the A-class AMG having a strictly two-pedal setup. That said, we�d be surprised if it weren�t a dual-clutch automatic.
Answering the two most prominent questions that surround the new A-class��When?� and �How much?��is even more of a fool�s errand with respect to the AMG version. The simple answer is that we anticipate the AMG A-class to come at least a year after the regular A does, and that it will cost significantly more. Think about the premium commanded by the BMW 1-series M and you�ll probably be on the right track. You didn�t think a new Mercedes-Benz would be cheap, did you?