Los Angeles 2013: Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG Concept

News I By John Beltz Snyder I November 20, 2013

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a performance version of its new GLA-Class compact SUV with the GLA45 AMG concept.

Featuring the same AMG turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the CLA45 AMG, it offer up 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, that power is distributed to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift seven-speed sports transmission. 0-60 miles per hour happens in less than six seconds.

The GLA45 AMG uses various aerodynamic features, such as the rear spoiler, front splitter, air deflectors, and cooling air intakes that help with stability, temperature management, and give the GLA45 a high-performance look to go along with its technical chops. It rides on 21-inch forged AMG wheels painted matte black with a red rim flange. For sonic flair, it features an AMG sports exhaust with an electronically controlled variable vane system controlling the exhaust note.

We imagine the GLA45 AMG could very well make its way to the production line. AMG Chairman Tobias Moers said, “Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car.”

Check it out in the attached gallery, or read on for more details in the press release, below.

Concept GLA45 AMG

A look forward to the new SUV from Mercedes-AMG

November 20, 2013 – Affalterbach/Los Angeles

Mercedes-AMG will present its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Concept GLA45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition."

Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds demonstrates the performance dynamic that is a hallmark of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the Concept GLA45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.

Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design

Stunning engineering is combined with breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange, to command attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG highperformance braking system with red brake calipers.

The AMG front apron with its large front splitter in high-gloss black, the black flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number "45" on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the "twin-blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a "TURBO AMG" badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.

Sporty wraps and red highlights

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear spoiler. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system which features and an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the AMG signature exhaust note.

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