Published: Nov 22, 2012

Mercedes to Unveil CLA45 AMG in Frankfurt

Love the CLS63 AMG but can't afford it? The upcoming CLA45 may be right up your alley, and it's set to debut in less than a year from now.

German automakers have been clamoring to prepare smaller cars recently, with downsized versions of the Porsche Panamera and Cayenne, a new series of front-drive BMWs and a new family of diminutive Mercedes all on their way. The Benz family is being ushered in with the new A-Class, new B-Class and a number of derivatives, including a new GLA crossover, SLA roadster and CLA four-door coupe all in the cooker. But among the most exciting will be the CLA45 AMG.

Mercedes to Unveil CLA45 AMG in Frankfurt

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Sharing its 2.0-liter turbo four with the A45 AMG hot hatch, the four-door coupe is (according to Autocar) now expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, now a little under a year away. With 349 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque expected to drive through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, an electronic differential and a Haldex all-wheel drive system, the CLA45 AMG is tipped to sprint to 62 from a standstill in five seconds flat and top out at 155 mph under an electronic limiter (typical in the German industry) and 168 mph with an optional performance package. That would be might impressive in a car that small.

The svelte four-door would significantly undercut the price of the C63 AMG and serve as a smaller version of the CLS63 AMG. Its form was previewed by the Concept Style Coupe (pictured here for illustrative purposes) that was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, and will be produced at Mercedes' newest plant in Hungary.