MERCEDES-BENZ A25 AMG CONFIRMED?

Evo magazine claims that Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will hatch out an AMG version of the new A-Class. The normal A-Class is due in Mzansi sometime in early 2013. The AMG version is apparently to be called the A25 AMG, but instead of a 2.5-litre turbo engine, it will feature a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo.

The car’s closest competitors are the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the BMW 1 M Coupe, both of which produce 250kW and 450Nm of torque from different motors. Typical of AMG, Evo says the Mercedes-Benz performance brand will seek to release more than 250kW. We reckon anything between 260kW and 270kW is fine with us. Such a car we believe, could reply with a 0 – 100km/h time of around 4.5 seconds!

And just like the RS 3, said A25 AMG will feature AWD (all-wheel-drive) technology instead of being driven at the rear wheels like the Beemer. A double-clutch automatic gearbox will be expected to run things. For these privileges you will be paying something around R620 000 if and when the car launches in SA in 2014. Of course by then Audi will be readying a brand new RS 3 model, while BMW will be putting the finishing touches to a brand new 1 M.

* Normal 2013 A-Class with AMG kit pictured