When Mercedes-Benz unveiled its updated A-Class range last month, we learned that the high-performance A45 variant from Mercedes-AMG would be coming with an uprated engine spitting out a crazy 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. We also said that the extra spicy 2.0-liter turbo four would eventually make its way into Mercedes-AMG’s other compacts like the CLA45 and GLA45 sold on these shores.
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Well, Mercedes-AMG has now confirmed the news, with the more powerful cars due for the 2016 model year. The new output represents a substantial increase on the 355 hp and 332 lb-ft found in current models and should make the already impressive cars just that much better.
But there are other updates beyond the uprated engine. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission has been tweaked, with shorter ratios implemented for gears three to seven. Also included is Mercedes-AMG’s Dynamic Select driving modes system, which we first saw on the GT sports car.
Dynamic Select allows the driver to adjust things such as the throttle response, suspension stiffness and transmission shift speeds. There are Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual modes in the regular system, and when the available Dynamic Plus package is added the Dynamic Select system also gets a special Race mode where everything is turned to the max.
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Mercedes-AMG says the CLA45 will now reach 62 mph from rest in 4.2 seconds, which is 0.4 of a second quicker than before. The CLA45 Shooting Brake sold overseas needs 4.3 seconds to achieve the same feat while the GLA45 will do it in 4.4 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG’s updated compact car range will be shown for the first time at September's 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, and will be available for order in Europe shortly after. An arrival in the United States should take place shortly after. For more from the Frankfurt Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.
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