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Mercedes-AMG A45 to get a new, more powerful engine in next generation.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 hot-hatch is already verging on hyper-hatch territory, but in its next generation it is expected to get even more manic thanks to a new drivetrain.


The current Mercedes-AMG A45 model already hits hard in the four-cylinder turbo hatch battle with its stonking outputs of 280kW of power and 475Nm of torque, while its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been lauded for its race-track friendly nature. That same drivetrain is also fitted to the CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG models.

Now CarAdvice has learned that the brand will fit the new-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 model – likely due to be revealed in the next 18 months – with a ramped up drivetrain and a new transmission, too.

There will be a new engine,” said Mercedes-AMG chief, Tobias Moers.

He wouldn’t go into too much specific detail on the new engine, but when asked about the potential for electric turbocharger assistance – which is designed to eliminate turbo lag – Moers indicated the tech might not be right for the A45.

“Depends. It’s limited at low revs – it gives you a little bit better instant throttle response, but it doesn’t help you at higher revs. It’s not an extra power supplier so to speak,” he said.

“We are working on different technologies for the future, including electric turbochargers, electric-supported turbochargers.”

He did confirm that the new engine would still be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with the “specific displacement of a V8” per cylinder.

“The engine, as it is now, it’s really stretched. So the layout of the car, there’s going to be change to that. Things like that are going to happen,” he said, vaguely.

The engine will – as the current one is – be produced in-house by Mercedes-AMG, and – as the current one does – share technology with the V8 engine of the models above it.

“We have shared technology between the V8 and the four-cylinder today, and maybe in future as well. Shared technology is always sensible. Even we have to take care of our costs,” he said.

The current AMG engine is an in-line four-cylinder with a single turbocharger, where the 4.0-litre V8 in the higher models has two turbos. That could be a reason to change the layout, as Moers referred to, while also offering it more kick.

It is destined to remain all-wheel drive, but instead of carrying over the current seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, AMG will likely shift to a nine-speed unit.

“It’s still a dual-clutch,” Moers said when asked about the gearbox. When quizzed if it will have more gears, he said “maybe” – and when he said that, he clearly meant “yes” judging by the look he gave.

Of course, the brand won't only sell the new engine in the A45 – it'll head to the next-generation versions of the CLA45 and GLA 45, and maybe even the new A-Class sedan and GLB SUV.

Stay tuned for more news on the new-generation Mercedes-AMG 45 models, and also read about how the brand is expected to offer even more versions of the Benz small car range in the coming years.

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