Polo R Model

[Big Jase]

I saw the article on this Merc as well, it aimed at the 30-45 yr old demographic at a price tag of just under 100k.

[bigfoot]

I saw the article on this Merc as well, it aimed at the 30-45 yr old demographic at a price tag of just under 100k.

that's 1M money...

[Hail22]

The pricing for the GTI variant/A250 states clearly its on par (54 on the road) 155kw.

The exact pricing for the A45 AMG won't be out for sometime.

[Ryan_R]

If the Polo R has the GTI engine then can you imagine what it'll be like with Stage 1 or more? Hope it has 4-motion AWD.

[Hail22]

If the Polo R has the GTI engine then can you imagine what it'll be like with Stage 1 or more? Hope it has 4-motion AWD.

It will be FWD mate...

[Savant]

It will be FWD mate...

You can bet this version will be but if it proves popular in their larger sales markets it might lead them to consider a proper R version with AWD to compliment the rest of their R range. Just hope they make it in a 5 door as well.

[VWindahouse]

I hope it's not just DSG as the R range is supposed to be a "drivers range". Unfortunately I think they will keep it FWD like the Scirocco R.

[Big Jase]

Or this is this....

AMG is said to have trialled both twin and single turbo versions of the direct-injected 2.0-litre engine that will power the A 45. The current crop of evaluation vehicles is running large single variable geometry turbochargers, say insiders.

Power outputs of more than 240kW are being bandied about, though the final figure won't be far from that mark, say powertrain engineers present at this week's A-Class launch in Slovenia.Performance of the smallest production AMG is claimed to be "stunning". The hottest A-Class is claimed to be faster than a C63 0-100km/h and have a class-leading top-speed.The production A 45 is likely to debut at next year's Geneva motor show. It features a bespoke version of the new Magna co-developed all-wheel-drive system. Like the systems used in Mitsubishi's EVO and the like, the set-up features a rear-mounted clutch pack and clever rear differential that can vector torque to suit conditions. Benz's 7G-DCT twin-clutch transmission gets an upgrade for the A 45. This lifts its maximum allowable torque loading to 450Nm -- a 80-100Nm increase. Software updates deliver even more aggressive shifts than the AMG-fettled A 250 Sport (see our launch review) and AMG also adds a RS [Race Start] function.

[Big Jase]

Different Article...


The baby Benz blaster, which is confirmed for Australia, will derive propulsion from a worked-over version of Merc’s 2.0-litre turbo engine with more than 400Nm of torque on tap, making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever offered in a road car wearing the three-pointed star. UK magazine Autocar has revealed the power figure for the A45 will be 246kW; Benz itself has been coy about that. Sources have indicated the A45 will produce 177bhp/litre, which places the AMG ahead of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS on 171bhp/litre.

Our goal right from the start was to match the output of the larger turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine used by the RS3,” AMG development boss Tobias Moers was quoted as saying by Autocar.

Named in honour of the 45 years of AMG's continuous operation, the A45 AMG targets a new group of buyers for the company. Ranging in age between 30 and 45, they are younger than the typical AMG owner and are described in the press material for the car as "professionally successful and independent", looking for "a compact, dynamic and individual vehicle" from "a recognised performance brand".

The local situation is shaping up to be a little different, according to Manager of Corporate Communications for Mercedes-Benz Australia, Jerry Stamoulis. Local buyers for the A45 are just as likely to be Benz owners already, although he also acknowledged the A45 might attract buyers from other brands.

"We certainly think there will be current Mercedes-Benz customers wanting a sportier drive in that price bracket under $100,000. So there will be some current Mercedes-Benz customers wanting that performance car, but certainly, it will attract buyers from different brands, without a doubt."

According to Mr Stamoulis, the A45 AMG will find its own niche in the local market — with little in the way of direct competition — and will deliver the AMG attributes for those who have not previously had the budget to spare for one of Affalterbach's products.

"To be able to get into an AMG, let's say under $100,000, which gives the opportunity for people to experience the AMG DNA — that's where I'm saying it will be competitive," he told motoring.com.au this morning.

Supply of the A45 is very likely to fall short of demand when the car arrives, around six months after the standard A-Class reaches local shores.

"The standard A-Class will go on sale [here]... quarter one next year. We're hoping the A45 will arrive... quarter four, next year," said Mr Stamoulis.

[JonW]

no doubt about it Merc is making so interesting cars that fit with our price range now, in fact i would say that Mercs are now cheaper than ever, and they will sell a lot of them. Question is, will they be youthful enough? Merc designers have to tread carefully as their existing buyers are not the new target market etc. Will be keen to hear how the A250 drives, should be a hoot!