CLA 45
However, in response to your question, I am really keen on the CLA45 AMG as it will be a small, lightish, fast go-kart of a car... I imagine.
I am very keen on the A45 but the hatch back part might make me look like I'm trying to relive my younger days so a CLA would be more suitable given it's more saloon/coupe looks.
So far there's a 5 door hatch A45 and 4 door 'coupe body' sedan CLA45.
Speculation suggests another one or two more variants and possibly more configurations as well eg. a 3 door hatch and a proper 2 door coupe.
A choice between either one of the above 2 would definitely do it for me

They're definitely going to be available here in Australia, looking forward to seeing them in the metal and test driving them
Also I believe this new AMG model is what has driven up the performance requirement of the entire range since it'll be capable of acceleration in the 4 sec. zone (0-100km/h) the new C and E class AMG models have had to go to AWD to try and achieve the same in the 3 sec. zone
I am all for a lightweight, high-style, high performance and fuel efficient sports sedan.
I hope the upcoming Shooting Brake version will be available as an AMG, and available in North America.
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The Japanese and others have been doing it for decades with 4 pot petrols developing up to 150kw/ltr with excellent reliabilty and longevity.
Alot of the basic tech and components supply and development for all of these is concentrated around a small number of the same companies supplying all the different manufacturers involved anyway, so parts are not that dissimilar from one brand to another eg. Cosworth are usually heavily involved with development and parts supply for most high power 4 pot petrol engines and is involved with the new 4cyl engine for AMG.
Downsizing of engine displacement and more widespread use of forced induction is now becoming the norm, so people need to get used to that side of it, there's certainly no need to worry as power and performance levels are on the increase despite the downsizing
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The Japanese and others have been doing it for decades with 4 pot petrols developing up to 150kw/ltr with excellent reliabilty and longevity.
Alot of the basic tech and components supply and development for all of these is concentrated around a small number of the same companies supplying all the different manufacturers involved anyway, so parts are not that dissimilar from one brand to another eg. Cosworth are usually heavily involved with development and parts supply for most high power 4 pot petrol engines and is involved with the new 4cyl engine for AMG.
Downsizing of engine displacement and more widespread use of forced induction is now becoming the norm, so people need to get used to that side of it, there's certainly no need to worry as power and performance levels are on the increase despite the downsizing

As for the new MB 2.0ltr AMG engine it definitely has a large part of its development associated with Cosworth which is involved in just about every high performance 4 cyl. turbocharged engine application as well as other engine configurations.
Also of interest is that some of the new parts or engine components developed for the new 2.0ltr IL4 AMG engine such as pistons, rods will also be used in the new 4.0ltr V8 twin turbo AMG engines
I am all for a lightweight, high-style, high performance and fuel efficient sports sedan.
I hope the upcoming Shooting Brake version will be available as an AMG, and available in North America.
A side note, If this engine sounds like a whiney 4 banger then IMO it will tarnish everything that an AMG engine represents.

The stats will speak for themselves, firstly the most powerful production 2.0ltr displacement 4cyl road engine ever and secondly acceleration performance to rival current N/A AMG model -63's !!!
Also hi power IL4cyl. engines don't sound whiney at all, they have their own trade mark exhaust note and it's actually good especially those with a tuned exhaust system.
I have both V8 and IL4 petrol vehicles and enjoy the 4 potter just as much (actually more so in some regards) compared to the V8, only the 4 pot diesels lack in the aural department, but the petrols are good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=GRxNUAd0124

It's all just about what people are either aware of or not, I related this topic to one of my vehicles which is also powered by a 2.0ltr IL4 petrol turbo and it produces some very sweet sounds so I would have no doubt that this new AMG would be even better

Obviously no IL4 will ever sound as good as any V8, boxer 4 potters come close though.
IMO I suppose from MB's point of view it's all about business, the hot hatch market is huge and always expanding as is the downsizing of engine sizes, so it makes perfect sense for them to have the AMG branding take a slice of any lucrative market, I believe this new generation of smaller engined and cheaper AMG models will outsell the current AMG range.
Yes it is shame, that and the lack of other power plant options like the diesels would have me being very unhappy too

Although it's a mega expensive imported car market here I'm happy we at least have pretty much the full range to choose from which is fantastic to be able to pick up exactly what fits your requirements

The Japanese and others have been doing it for decades with 4 pot petrols developing up to 150kw/ltr with excellent reliabilty and longevity.
Alot of the basic tech and components supply and development for all of these is concentrated around a small number of the same companies supplying all the different manufacturers involved anyway, so parts are not that dissimilar from one brand to another eg. Cosworth are usually heavily involved with development and parts supply for most high power 4 pot petrol engines and is involved with the new 4cyl engine for AMG.
Downsizing of engine displacement and more widespread use of forced induction is now becoming the norm, so people need to get used to that side of it, there's certainly no need to worry as power and performance levels are on the increase despite the downsizing

No one ever thought Mercedes would put a 6.3 engine that revved to 7200 rpm through a 7 speed auto in their baby car and make it work either back in 07/08.










