With a pricetag of $48,375, total output of 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG is, how you say, interesting. It's safe to assume no car this year has occupied so many pixels of conversation among our staff Skypers--and will continue to do so until we drive one later this year.

Until that date with a track takes place, we're just going to bring you up to speed on the CLA45 AMG, and its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show just last week. The Bonkers Edition of Mercedes' new compact-car family, the CLA45 AMG totes the world's most powerful production four-cylinder (it also sounds brilliant), and, Mercedes says, the lowest coefficient of drag (0.22) of any production car, too.

Equipped only with all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch transmission, the CLA45 AMG is good for a 155-mph top end, too.

Like other AMG models, an AMG DRIVE control lets owners tailor steering, throttle, and transmission feel, while stop/start helps in the race for better fuel economy. The all-wheel-drive system can send torque front to back dynamically, though in normal driving, it's all sent to the front wheels, which reduces gas use by cutting down on drag at the rear wheels.

Standard 18-inch wheels with 235/40-sized tires can be spun up to 19-inchers, while other AMG-specific badges and fittings include carbon-fiber trim and sport seats.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG hits showrooms this November, priced from $48,375 including destination charges. We'll bring you a first drive, just as soon as possible. Until then, take a look at the hottest compact we've seen this year in our CLA45 AMG video preview.

__________________________________

See all our New York Auto Show coverage, and follow us on Twitter @MotorAuthority.