It's not every day we see a hot version of a model that hasn't even been released yet testing on the open road, however when you are as serious about the future high-performance development of the A-Class as Mercedes-Benz is, time is of the essence in testing the new performance-minded models. Utilizing the same MFA platform as the all-new A-Class hatchback, the CLA 45 AMG four-door coupe should arrive in the United States by 2014 unlike the A45 AMG, which won't be sold at all in the US.

Also unlike the A45 AMG, the CLA will be longer and wider than the hatchback while still making use of the same 325 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in an all-wheel drive configuration. Differentiating this prototype from the standard CLA are those much bigger wheels and massive brakes, deeper front spoiler, wider track and, along with those big chunky side sills, a spoiler on the rear. While we don't expect the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG to make its way into showrooms until 2014, it is very likely that the hot sedan could debut in production guise sometime in 2013.