Mercedes CLA AMG spied

19 Oct, 2012 3:04pm Tom Phillips Comments

Our spies have spotted the Mercedes CLA AMG testing at the Nurburgring, ahead of its 2013 launch

Next year’s Mercedes CLA AMG has been spied testing at the Nurburgring. The high-performance version of the new A-Class-based saloon will use the same powertrain as the A45 AMG, which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year.

As with all AMG cars, the engine is the star. In this case, power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol which produces more than 335bhp. The unit is being developed by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth.

Both the A45 and CLA 45 will have four-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox as standard. To compliment the powerful drivetrain, the CLA AMG will get a more aggressive bodykit, larger alloys and uprated brakes - all of which you can see under the light disguise on the CLA AMG in our pictures.

The CLA name was confirmed by Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, and although we’ve already snapped the standard CLA undisguised, we’ll have to wait for the Detroit Motor Show early next year for that car’s full reveal. We expect the CLA 45 AMG to debut alongside the A45 AMG at Geneva.

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