The CLA is in for a substantial makeover,
transitioning to Mercedes‘ new design language and benefiting from new
technologies and engines. Some of the later will come from Mercedes-AMG, which is prepping at
least two different models, the CLA 35 and CLA 45.
The prototype is well camouflaged, but the
shape of the exhaust tips along with the rear diffuser suggest that this might
be the first ever Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 caught out in the wild. The car will use the 2.0-liter four-banger from the
A35 hot hatch. The engine produces 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that
channels output to both axles. The A35 hatchback goes from 0 to 100 km/h n 4.7 seconds and maxes out at 250 km/h, so expect similar
performance from the four-door coupe model.
A more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine will be used in the range-topping member of the series, the Mercedes-AMG
CLA 45. This will arrive probably next year and boast more than 400 horses.
As for the rest of the second-gen CLA family, it
will be offered in two body styles, a four-door coupe and a Shooting Brake. The
latter was snapped earlier this week and retains the signature sloping
roofline, albeit a bit more raised towards the rear to improve headroom for
passengers as well as boot capacity.
