2013 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG spied testing at the Nürburgring

Rumors of the third generation Mercedes-Benz A Class being given new high-performance AMG variant have been circulating for quite some time now. Even though Mercedes has not officially released any images of the rumored vehicle, a bunch of spy shots of a prototype of the model testing at the Nürburgring have surfaced on the blogosphere. Very similar to the new A Class, the prototype that has been seen sporting a massive front bumper with a bigger front bumper, uprated wheels and brakes and sportier exhaust tips.

2013 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

The new A Class will be offered in a wide range of diesel and gas engines with the base model being given a 109 horsepower 1.8-liter turbodiesel engine. The A45 AMG will be offered with a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine outputting 295 pound-feet of torque and 330 horsepower. The engine will be mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed AMG SpeedShift DCT transmission. The model will also be given AMG’s speed-sensitive electromechanical steering. The front and rear axles on the model are independently developed and are fitted with a custom sports suspension setup.

Several performance upgrades are expected to be offered with the model though the base model is expected to have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.0 seconds or less. The A45 AMG is expected to be officially unveiled at the 2012 Paris Auto Show starting on September 27. At the moment, Mercedes-Benz has not revealed any plans to launch the model in the US market.

Via: Motor Authority.