Mercedes-AMG A 45 S won't come this generation

The hotter version of AMG’s four-cylinder pocket rocket will have to wait. That’s the confirmation from this week’s launch of the uprated and upgraded Mercedes-Benz A-Class range.

Although the existence of a near-300kW S version of AMG’s hot hatch was leaked mid-year, AMG A-Class program personnel have confirmed the words of Benz’s performance division Tobias Moers that the updated car’s 280kW power output is “a ceiling”, at least for the time being.

AMG Compact Cars Product Manager, Mattias Schmidt told motoring.com.au that the S program leak was a furphy.

“Yes, we saw the news, but that is wrong. 280kW is it – there is no S model in this [generation],” Schmidt stated.

AMG insiders have previously stated the 2.0-litre four is good for 305-315kW in its current form. The sticking point for the powered up S in this generation, however, may be the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive system.

In the latest AMG 45 both drivetrain sub-systems have been upgraded but further changes may be necessary to cope with the full potential of the engine, or its replacement.

Although the mainstream A-Class range has very few mechanical changes, the latest AMG A 45 has been gifted some key component upgrades.

The latest seven-speed gearbox’s gear ratios have been shortened third through to seventh gear (in part for an increase in load carrying capability) and the all-wheel drive system has been beefed up. The maximum torque capacity of the rear drive components is now 1200Nm -- a 20 per cent increase.

The combination of the above is a key factor in the new A45’s trimmed 0-100km/h time. The new car is 0.4 seconds faster than the old model at 4.2sec.

It is also significantly more capable away from the straight and narrow. A new mechanical limited-slip front differential can be optioned in conjunction with Ride Control two-stage adaptive suspension in European markets and will also be offered in Aussie A 45s when they arrive Down Under in January 2016.

Although Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to confirm pricing for the LSD, the effect it has on both track and windy road performance is telling.

motoring.com.au understands the LSD was in-part developed during a stillborn AMG Customer Sports program to build front-drive CLA 45 race cars to compete in the Germany VLN Endurance racing series.

AMG Compact Cars development chief, Steffen Jastrow, would not disclose the locking ratios or other technical details of the plated LSD fitted to the new A 45 but did confirm its supplier, Drexler. The Bavarian-based company is best known as a supplier of LSD for racing and high-performance road cars.