AMG's New "Mini" Weapon...A45

[Pickles]

Here ya go......wifey wants one!
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/forums/showthread.php?t=77752
Cheers, Pickles.

[RAWKUS]

Invite only link...what's the login? Ha ha

[JT]

Pickles, not much use putting up a link where you have to register to see the content. Do you have any other links?

or supply us with your log in details

[Marco]

Ugly little car with a very ugly price tag.

[Pickles]

Can't get it to work....best to just google "AMG A45" if you're interested!
Basically, it's a small AWD hatch ..2L Turbo, 360HP, 440NM, 7 speed auto, & all sorts of options...AMG's 1st entry into the "Hot Hatch" market.
Sorry about the stuff up, Pickles.

[sjhugh]

Here's the Drive link.

0-100km/h in 4.6sec.

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/mercedesbenz-reveals-hot-new-a45-amg-hatchback-20130213-2ebsj.html

.

[bouka]

Brilliant little thing and will be on my list (along with the VF lsa GTS and VF senator amongst others).

I can't see it being under high 90's though (by the time you get some options and on road) and that may be a little too much for a hot (the hottest) hatch.

[Plenty]

Brilliant little thing and will be on my list (along with the VF lsa GTS and VF senator amongst others).

I can't see it being under high 90's though (by the time you get some options and on road) and that may be a little too much for a hot (the hottest) hatch.

Let something slip there Bouka? :yahoo:

Pretty cool looking car on the outside and with plenty of grunt, it's a small car i could agree with if it was practical to me, but the interior is pretty horrid IMO.

[Pickles]

try this link:
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/webspecial/a45/index_eng.php
Cheers, Pickles.

[JT]

No need to start a new thread on the same subject Martin

[Pickles]

Here's more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSCWiYonRmw&feature=youtu.be
Cheers, Pickles.

[SSer]

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/mercedesbenz-cla45-amg-revealed-20130320-2gein.html

[bouka]

Have seen several of the new a class on the road and that front overhang is horrendous. The cla in the article suffers the same fate.

I think it kills the look of the car.

AMG have done a brilliant job with this a series. Looking forward to a test drive.

[sjhugh]

AMG have done a brilliant job with this a series. Looking forward to a test drive.



+1

I’m looking at trading my 135i for one.

.

[jaykay]

I'm sure they will sell well...just not sure how much room will be in there....

[Micks]

There quick but very ugly!

[Drizt]

I like the front, but the back is pretty meh.

[Wonky]

Actually, I don't mind the look.

[mjrandom]

There was one on display at Natita terminal last week. It didn't look too bad though I didn't take that much notice because we usually don't get the goodies. Looked a bit "don't **** with me".

[185iboy]

I spent some time in a regular A-something in Stuttgart in Jan. Comfy place to sit in there but it feels a bit claustrophobic the way the roof comes over you. You can't see a lot out of the small windows. You don't need to be small to drive it though..shame the rears ugly as hell.

[Pickles]

Saw an A250 for the 1st time in the flesh last week. Wifey has booked a test drive in an A250 this afternoon, but that is not what she's after...she is after the A45 which is in another world in all respects. Still, the A250 will give her a bit of an idea of interior room/vision etc......but it's light years away from 360HP, 450NM, & AWD!
We were talking to a salesman at a relatively small M.B. Dealership, where 14 orders (with deposits) have already been received for the A45....he said that by the time the little beast is released (end of the year?), the waiting time for delivery could be up to two years! Not keen on that at all. I remember a couple of years ago we were looking at a Golf R, & the wait for that car was 1 year.
Still haven't seen anything official on pricing....a mate said he'd heard $76990, but with a long option list, that doesn't mean much at all.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Hi Octane]

It looks like a nike spec running shoe.

[vyssbeast]

That pricing makes sense as i was reading an article about the top of the range A250 being quoted around the 55K mark so i wouldn't expect the AMG to warrant more than 10-15K on top so with options that 76k figure sounds pretty accurate.


Saw an A250 for the 1st time in the flesh last week. Wifey has booked a test drive in an A250 this afternoon, but that is not what she's after...she is after the A45 which is in another world in all respects. Still, the A250 will give her a bit of an idea of interior room/vision etc......but it's light years away from 360HP, 450NM, & AWD!
We were talking to a salesman at a relatively small M.B. Dealership, where 14 orders (with deposits) have already been received for the A45....he said that by the time the little beast is released (end of the year?), the waiting time for delivery could be up to two years! Not keen on that at all. I remember a couple of years ago we were looking at a Golf R, & the wait for that car was 1 year.
Still haven't seen anything official on pricing....a mate said he'd heard $76990, but with a long option list, that doesn't mean much at all.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Pickles]

Examined the A250, & wifey drove it.....nice car, but underwhelming to what we were expecting. Not saying that it wasn't better than our Astra SRI 2.2L Hatch, but not greatly so, so we wouldn't buy an A250 over what we have now.
But, like I've said, the A45 is expected to be a completely different animal, so we'll rest our case until we can assess it, which is expected to be in the 3rd quarter.....the word is that there will be one at the Melbourne Motor Show (in June?).
Cheers, Pickles.

[Micks]

Examined the A250, & wifey drove it.....nice car, but underwhelming to what we were expecting. Not saying that it wasn't better than our Astra SRI 2.2L Hatch, but not greatly so, so we wouldn't buy an A250 over what we have now.
But, like I've said, the A45 is expected to be a completely different animal, so we'll rest our case until we can assess it, which is expected to be in the 3rd quarter.....the word is that there will be one at the Melbourne Motor Show (in June?).
Cheers, Pickles.

Said exactly the same to mine last night as well! Whaddya know great minds!

[Marco]

A250 came last in a hot hatch compare in this month's Wheels - Megane, Astra OPC and Golf GTI all superior (in that order).

[Pickles]

A250 came last in a hot hatch compare in this month's Wheels - Megane, Astra OPC and Golf GTI all superior (in that order).
Yeah, well refer my above post.....I've got the magazine, but haven't read the article yet, but based on yesterday's experience, I'm not surprised.
Dealer says A45 is $75K & O.R.C........plus "extras".......no details on optional "extras" yet......I would expect it to be LOTS better than the A250.
Cheers, Pickles.

[idiotsavant]

one would hope amg might not follow in the rs3's footprints, although given there seems to be a market for impossibly quick but numb hatchbacks, who knows. in the UK the new awd e63 is getting very strong reviews (and dips below 4 sec for 0-100) even back to back with the rear drive model. maybe some of these positive dynamics will transfer to the a45.

[Vulture]

Just put a deposit on one of these (the sedan version, the CLA45 AMG). Will let you guys know when more details emerge on them as not all that much is known about exact specs and options etc. Think it is going to an absolute weapon. Alternative for me is a VF HSV (A very different beast, of course, being a much bigger car) but I'm reaching the stage where I am after a little more refinement in something fast that doesn't chew through fuel and needs mods to be genuinely quick in all conditions. I think this thing will offer that, plus it will probably be tunable, how much extra power could be expected is debatable given that it seems wound up pretty high already given its outputs from just 2.0L. If guys like me are tempted by the little Merc are HSV in trouble? I'll reserve my final decision until I see the new HSVs, however. I'm certain demand for the CLA45 AMG is going to be high and resale likely reasonable. Why HSV don't offer some sort of guaranteed value/buyback I will never know.

[Vulture]

A250 came last in a hot hatch compare in this month's Wheels - Megane, Astra OPC and Golf GTI all superior (in that order).

The CLA45 AMG is in a *whole* other ballpark to the A250 and those others, with AWD, 265KW and 450nm...(at 2250rpm)

[jaykay]

Just put a deposit on one of these (the sedan version, the CLA45 AMG). Will let you guys know when more details emerge on them as not all that much is known about exact specs and options etc. Think it is going to an absolute weapon. Alternative for me is a VF HSV (A very different beast, of course, being a much bigger car) but I'm reaching the stage where I am after a little more refinement in something fast that doesn't chew through fuel and needs mods to be genuinely quick in all conditions. I think this thing will offer that, plus it will probably be tunable, how much extra power could be expected is debatable given that it seems wound up pretty high already given its outputs from just 2.0L. If guys like me are tempted by the little Merc are HSV in trouble? I'll reserve my final decision until I see the new HSVs, however. I'm certain demand for the CLA45 AMG is going to be high and resale likely reasonable. Why HSV don't offer some sort of guaranteed value/buyback I will never know.

Because they cut the guts out of superseded model prices to get rid of them....snowball effect over time

[Plenty]

If guys like me are tempted by the little Merc are HSV in trouble?

HSV may be in trouble but that would by no means be the cause, if your in the market for a big family sedan like the VE/F then that would be no comparison. If you find a car of that size ample for your needs then maybe a Commodore variant isn't for you in the first place.

Just sayin they are completely different cars and if your looking one way it'd be kinda strange to even consider the other.

[matthewfnorbert]

smart choice for thinking man! lots of power,refinement of purpose and engineering for the money. great choice, a relative bargain

[abrowne70]

I want one

[bouka]

Just put a deposit on one of these (the sedan version, the CLA45 AMG). Will let you guys know when more details emerge on them as not all that much is known about exact specs and options etc. Think it is going to an absolute weapon. Alternative for me is a VF HSV (A very different beast, of course, being a much bigger car) but I'm reaching the stage where I am after a little more refinement in something fast that doesn't chew through fuel and needs mods to be genuinely quick in all conditions. I think this thing will offer that, plus it will probably be tunable, how much extra power could be expected is debatable given that it seems wound up pretty high already given its outputs from just 2.0L. If guys like me are tempted by the little Merc are HSV in trouble? I'll reserve my final decision until I see the new HSVs, however. I'm certain demand for the CLA45 AMG is going to be high and resale likely reasonable. Why HSV don't offer some sort of guaranteed value/buyback I will never know.

Go to your nearest HSV dealer and put down a deposit on a VF GTS. This way you have both bases covered.

Like yourself, I am a big fan of the A45 but am pretty confident the GTS will make it a very hard choice for you.

[sjhugh]

Go to your nearest HSV dealer and put down a deposit on a VF GTS. This way you have both bases covered.

Like yourself, I am a big fan of the A45 but am pretty confident the GTS will make it a very hard choice for you.


I’m looking at getting an A45.

Do you know how the price of the new GTS will compare with the baby Merc?

.

[Martin_D]

We will have our A45 in November - first/second week :)

[Vulture]

We will have our A45 in November - first/second week :)

Great stuff, is that the hatch variant? It's a bit unclear whether the sedan/coupe will ship at the same time. Apparently they are running 1.8 bar, do you think there would be room to move with this sort of, already high, boost?



Just sayin they are completely different cars and if you're looking one way it'd be kinda strange to even consider the other.

I disagree, I think there are plenty of potential HSV buyers who would look in that direction. Take me, 40yo professional, my kids are still pretty small (10,8yr old). Got to be a lot of blokes out there like that surely?

I take your point but not all of us need the large sedan size of the HSV, we are simply performance and value-concious buyers (one of the reasons HSV have appealed to me in the past). They are very different beasts but I do believe that, provided sheer size is not the deal-breaker, many guys who would look to HSVs are also going to look at other, simularly priced vehicles. The other thing on my mind is the new WRX - which looks to be taking a major quality departure from the base Impreza range to a standalone model. This potentially will make the Merc (and every HSV) seem overpriced, although it is unlikely to offer the same performance in base form.

[Drizt]

We will have our A45 in November - first/second week :)

What colour? What options ?

[Martin_D]

Great stuff, is that the hatch variant? It's a bit unclear whether the sedan/coupe will ship at the same time. Apparently they are running 1.8 bar, do you think there would be room to move with this sort of, already high, boost?

We have a hatch coming. As for the 'room to move' I hope so! :)

[Vfzarb]

I wonder how the CLA AMG with stack up to the hatch.

[sjhugh]

The A45 AMG in action.


http://youtu.be/xX1B2JyJ9Jc


.

[Wonky]

IMO doesn't look at all ugly in that clip. :drool:

[Red Beard]

I was reading the article on the CLA45 AMG and they mentioned how good it sounded, so I thought I'd look it up on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NNmbNtbD1Y

then I saw this thread, and thought that the A45 AMG would have the same engine and exhaust set up, it certainly sounds like it does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmlmL-JkIo

Sounds like it has a bit of a wind problem, baked beans for breakfast. I like the exhaust note, but I can't stand the "overrun crackle" on up changes, if that's what it is. Seriously sounds like the cars farting to me.

[Plenty]

I was reading the article on the CLA45 AMG and they mentioned how good it sounded, so I thought I'd look it up on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NNmbNtbD1Y

then I saw this thread, and thought that the A45 AMG would have the same engine and exhaust set up, it certainly sounds like it does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmlmL-JkIo

Sounds like it has a bit of a wind problem, baked beans for breakfast. I like the exhaust note, but I can't stand the "overrun crackle" on up changes, if that's what it is. Seriously sounds like the cars farting to me.

It's the electronic throttle cut-out on the gear change, much like the "flat shifting" the V8 Supercar drivers do (although they use a manual throttle cut-out button) on upshifts. Nearly all Dual Clutchers do it, sounds mint on a Ferrari.

[Pickles]

As the O.P., and an AMG owner, naturally I have an interest in this subject.
Can you compare A45 & GTS?....well obviously they're two very different cars, & initially I thought you couldn't, but you can.....you can analyse the points of both cars....and see which "suits you" best.
A45 will be about $76K (CLA price maybe a little dearer), GTS is $92K.
Resale value?.....Plenty of complaints here about HSV "values"....don't be too sure about AMG values...check some of them out S/H?......They ain't too flash.....same as any "luxury" car IMHO...no better, no worse.
Tuning the '45?...geez, why would you.....360hp, 450NM, AWD, beautifully engineered by AMG.....I would not be touching it. And, it is the most high powered 2L road car engine at the moment....I've wondered myself how stressed it is, but then realized AMG built it....and didn't worry any more!
Cheers, Pickles.

[Vulture]

I think CLA will be around $90k on road. AMG are pushing 26psi (!) down its throat so no way would I be tinkering with that hand grenade in a hurry.

[ROH]

I think CLA will be around $90k on road. AMG are pushing 26psi (!) down its throat so no way would I be tinkering with that hand grenade in a hurry.

If air intake and exhaust restrictions are removed, with a good tune, HP would go up without increasing boost.
When I had my wrx (2L) it was running 250 awkw on 28psi (though it was pretty laggy) I'm sure internally it will be a very strong engine.

[matthewfnorbert]

im with vulture,
also im pretty dam sure that the AMG engineers durability testing and subsequent tune, is a little more thorough and considered with technical knowhow than a tuner 'playing' with it... in the context of engine longevity that is

[sjhugh]

The AMG Performance Studio offers a lot of extras not on general show.

Cosmetic and performance extras like carbon fibre splitters, side inserts, rear diffuser, rear roof spoilers in high gloss black, bonnet stripes, red highlights around the grille and other trim similar to the new Commodore, upgraded suspension, exhaust and lifts the speed limit from 250km/h to 270km/h plus more.

I did see the breakdown on the engine components somewhere and it was impressive but I’ve failed to find it anywhere.

Maybe Pickles has seen in in his travels in the AMG Private Lounge.

I’ll post it up if I find it.

In the meantime this is the link to AMG’s A45 and CLA45 website

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/webspecial/cla45/


Who is waiting for the AMG Black Series to be released?


.

[Pickles]

The AMG Performance Studio offers a lot of extras not on general show.

Cosmetic and performance extras like carbon fibre splitters, side inserts, rear diffuser, rear roof spoilers in high gloss black, bonnet stripes, red highlights around the grille and other trim similar to the new Commodore, upgraded suspension, exhaust and lifts the speed limit from 250km/h to 270km/h plus more.

I did see the breakdown on the engine components somewhere and it was impressive but I’ve failed to find it anywhere.

Maybe Pickles has seen in in his travels in the AMG Private Lounge.

I’ll post it up if I find it.

In the meantime this is the link to AMG’s A45 and CLA45 website

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/webspecial/cla45/


Who is waiting for the AMG Black Series to be released?


.

Aaahhh..."The AMG Performance Centre".........It is a different "World" is it not. Yeah, they have heaps of "regular" documented stuff that you can do.....but if ya wanna get into the REALLY good stuff......that's all about "going faster", they can do a LOT more.....try a G65 twin turbo V12....SIX WHEEL DRIVE.....for the Arabs only...and apparently unstoppable in the sand dunes.
I have a friend that used to be responsible for looking after the cars of one of our Asian neighbours, and he said that he would simply contact AMG, tell 'em what he wanted, & they would build it....a "one off".....not a problem...provided the dollars aren't a problem.
I haven't seen the breakdown of the "engine"....knowing that it was 360HP & 450NM, AWD,.....in an A Class!!...was enough fror me!!....But I do know that AMG delayed the release of this car until they got it the way they wanted it. I still haven't read any decent comprehensive roadtest/ driving impression of the car,.....but I know it will be GOOD.
So, if I had an A45, there's no way I'd be touching it.
I suppose, with respect to AMG, my thoughts have recently been centred around what will the "new" engine be for the C63, in respect to which a special edition "507" has been released with 507HP, the most powerful C class, except for the Black series, which had 510HP.....but a TOTALLY different car, as is any Black Series, and also FAR more expensive.
Has anyone read a FULL report on the A45?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Vulture]

If air intake and exhaust restrictions are removed, with a good tune, HP would go up without increasing boost.
When I had my wrx (2L) it was running 250 awkw on 28psi (though it was pretty laggy) I'm sure internally it will be a very strong engine.

I think it's possible there isn't a lot in the way of restrictions in the stock system on the A45 and CLA45, seems as the years march by they get more and more efficient with bimodel systems etc. I hear that Australia also gets the "sport" system on these also.

Did your Rex have a bigger turbo? Assuming it did for that HP.

26psi is pretty crazy for a factory motor with full warranty etc! From reviews there is no appreciable lag either and it pulls from low rpm cleanly.

I'm still in the market for a CLA if I can afford it as well as the GTS. I should be in the first allotment as I've had a deposit on one since April (the CLA45, not the A45).

Seems they will be hard to get even out to early 2014 LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2013/mercedes-benz/mercedes-a-45-amg-sold-out-until-mid-2014-37074)

Australian drive - LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2013/prestige-and-luxury/mercedes-benz/a-45-amg/mercedes-benz-cla-45-amg-2013-first-drive-37081?intref=ed-reviews)

[Pickles]

Aaahh ..I hadn't read a "drive" impression before, but no surprises really.....with those specs, and coming from AMG, it was always gonna be good....very good.
Myself, I'd prefer the A45 rather than the CLA.
9 months wait?.....Nothing unusual there.....we had to wait over 6 months for our C63. So, I reckon 9 months would be about right, and if you were ordering/speccing the car from scratch, & wanted a few options, then ya could be waiting longer. The only way to get one quicker would be if a Dealer had an unordered vehicle in his allocation, but I doubt that would happen with this car.
They tell me that Golf R was out to a 12 month wait at one stage, and it was no where near as spectacular as this car.
Cheers, Pickles.
NB: If there's any of you on here with an AMG, & ya're not already on it, ya should get onto the AMG Private Lounge Forum. But, you have to own an AMG, as all your details & VIN are checked.....ya gotta have a VIN.
There is AMAZING stuff on there.....it has factory input from AMG.

[Vulture]

9 months wait?.....Nothing unusual there.....we had to wait over 6 months for our C63. So, I reckon 9 months would be about right.

I'm told that I could expect delivery in October-November of a CLA45 AMG, Sept for an A45 I think. Which would probably mean ordering it in July when pricing is released (I'm on the 'list' for the first handful). I can see the wait for the next batch would be much longer.
Not sure I can afford both a GTS and CLA but would a nice combo!

[ROH]

Did your Rex have a bigger turbo? Assuming it did for that HP.




Yes it had a AVO 400L turbo- rated at 400HP. Forged internals. Nothing happened till around 3500rpm, and then by 4000rpm, it just pulled.......hard!!!

[Martin_D]

First official drive review I have seen gives the A45 a 0-400m time of 12.6 @ 112.5mph

[Drizt]

Impressive little beast

[Vulture]

Martin, what's your opinion on the likely tunability? I can't imagine wanting to turn boost up at all?

Fark! How quick is it?!


http://youtu.be/gPzCbTNpPWg

[sjhugh]

I don’t know how accurate that time is but 4.1 seconds to 100km/h for the baby Benz is like WOW.

I hope the CLA can do the same.

I’m looking forward to going to the supermarket in one of these.

.

[Pickles]

I don’t know how accurate that time is but 4.1 seconds to 100km/h for the baby Benz is like WOW.

I hope the CLA can do the same.

I’m looking forward to going to the supermarket in one of these.

.
I love AMG, but IMHO 0/100 in 4.1 is optimistic.
0/400, 12.6, is pretty good...it's around C63 time!!
Cheers, Pickles.

[Martin_D]

Martin, what's your opinion on the likely tunability? I can't imagine wanting to turn boost up at all?
Fark! How quick is it?!

http://youtu.be/gPzCbTNpPWg

Its common practice to run 30psi boost in stock EvoX engine/turbo combinations, but it all depends on the turbocharger being used. I would think that there would have to be in the order of 330kw at the crank on tap when tuned up to spec. Time will tell :)

[VendeTTR]

That's proper fast! Can't wait to see the Willall a45 when it arrives :)

[jaykay]

Mr Mercedes wasn't happy :lol:

Now lets see A45 v Gen F GTS :idea: :woot:

[VendeTTR]

Any chance of a Willall CLS v A45 shoot out Martin? :D

[bouka]

12.6 at 112 mph. Fwaaaaaaark!

[jaykay]

12.6 at 112 mph. Fwaaaaaaark!

112.5 :slap:

[bouka]

112.5 :slap:

Sorry........

[Wonky]

Mmmm, I'd love one at that!! :burnout:

[Vulture]

The pricing of the CLA is in and I am very disappointed that Mercedes want an extra $12,000 for a friggen boot!
How can they think this is reasonable?

$86,900

LINK (http://www.caradvice.com.au/241266/mercedes-benz-cla-class-pricing-and-specifications/)

Doubt I'll be going ahead as feel they are price gouging when the A45 is $74,900.
Will probably just keep my 370z and enjoy the Gen F GTS when it turns up in Sept.

[Youngy789]

Ouch that seems like a fairly steep premium, are there any other advantages other than the friggen boot over the A45?

[Vulture]

I don't think so. I'll wait to hear from the AMG guy about the standard kit and how it compares with the A45.

[Pickles]

I don't think so. I'll wait to hear from the AMG guy about the standard kit and how it compares with the A45.
Simon, I don't know how the interiors of the CLA & tha A compare, but I reckon the A would definitely be more "agile".
So, on pricing, what are M.B. talking for both cars now..Driveaway?
Cheers, Martin.

[Vulture]

Interiors are identical but possible the CLA has some more features (radar cruise control etc). A45 AMG is around $83k drive away. Spoke to the AMG guy today (excellent customer service there at MB Brisbane). Despite all the internet information they are waiting on full details from MB re specs, options and pricing (for the CLA, the A45 is all known). I'm tempted to go with an A45 as seems better value but wouldn't be able to get one until next year, no big deal really.

[Youngy789]

I think the A45 would be better value for what would be similar performance but I guess it is hard to tell until you see the specs. If it comes with any extras like radar cruise control not sure it will be worth the $12K given most people would be interested in the performance. I assume the wait time on the CLA wont be much better either

[Vulture]

Around $92k on road. Will visit AMG today and find out for sure.

[Vulture]

Seems the version we get is pretty much high spec from factory. Has all the goodies that are options in other markets. Comes with panoramic roof, Ricaro seats, 19s as opposed to 18s etc. AMG wheel. Only a few options: performance suspension (probably would be too firm for our crappy roads), black 19 inch wheels as opposed to the standard sliver 19s in the same design and a carbon fibre interior pack. Personally, black wheels and the carbon pack would round it off nicely. Thinking seriously about grabbing one (CLA).

[Pickles]

Around $92k on road. Will visit AMG today and find out for sure.
You'll have a bit of a wait then mate.
$74900 for A45 & $86900 for CLA45 + ORC...AT THE MOMENT,.....buy ya've got a bit of a wait on delivery......so, in view of the decreasing value of our dollar, how long are those prices going to hold for.....particularly if Ya've got a 6 months wait?
Cheers, Pickles.

[Vulture]

You'll have a bit of a wait then mate.


I suppose they figure currency fluctuations into the price within certain limits.
Not a big wait for me as I've had a deposit since April.
Would be able to get one with the first shipments in October, but after that for sure would probably be a bit more of a wait.
People who had a deposit in on the A45 will be getting theirs in August.

[mjrandom]

Which colour? To complement the GTS of course.

[Vulture]

Which colour? To complement the GTS of course.

White! Not sure if I'll still go ahead though.

2392

[mjrandom]

Not bad, white is an ok colour, I suppose...

[Vulture]

Not bad, white is an ok colour, I suppose...

Thought you would approve. ;)

[offshore]

Not a bad looking car maybe ill take back my comment about it just being an upmarket AWD turbo boy racer for grown up WRX people lol

[Pickles]

Here ya go Simon....Looking good. http://www.germanboost.com/content.php?3711-The-M133-%28A45-CLA45-GLA45%29-AMG-motor-is-underrated-First-dyno-of-an-A45-AMG-shows-340-horsepower-to-all-four-wh

Cheers, Martin.

[Vulture]

Sounds like it is making the power it's supposed too. Will be interesting to see what that translates to on a dynolog.

[ROH]

Nice vid by Chris Harris. Says a C63 and M3 on B- roads would not be able to keep up with this thing. Great pocket rocket indeed.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOA5YN6ryz4

[Vulture]

Hope the CLA is just as quick.

[DMW]

CLA45 vs A45
"Both as fast as each other".... "A45 feels slightly more sporty"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBQiG7yanog

[bouka]

I'm glad I didn't buy one, I'm glad I didn't buy one.........if I say it enough times I might believe it.

Amazing little machine but maybe too harsh as a daily.

[jaykay]

What about the GLA ?


http://www.motoring.com.au/videos/2013/sports/mercedes-benz/mercedes-benz-reveals-the-new-gla-38225

[GTS LSA]

^^ I dont mind that, for my wife when the r36 wagon gets a bit long in the tooth, boot space may be an issue though

[Vulture]

http://youtu.be/MeApNnWlD54

Sounds pretty crackly. I like it.

[GTS LSA]

Yep that sounds pretty awesome

[Vulture]

Apparently the microphone was placed near he exhaust in that video. A GTS and one of these would be a nice combo.

[GTS LSA]

^ yep that's what I'm thinking.. bit of coin involved, but then have at least another 2 years on her R36... so timing could be about spot on

[Vulture]

An Aussie review LINK (http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2013/mercedes-benz/a-45-amg/mercedes-benz-a-45-amg-2013-first-drive-38311)

It's doing 0-100 in less than 4.6 and a quarter in less than 12.6!
Still prefer the CLA as I'm not interested in a hatch at the moment.

[jaykay]

From Wheels Australia Facebook page performance testing A45 AMG this morning.........

0 to 100km/h - 4.4 seconds (claimed 4.6) and 12.6 quarter mile... :driving:

Tried to get the video to post up but can't :hmmm:

[matthewfnorbert]

yep CLA for me!

[Vulture]

yep CLA for me!

On order? Excellent.

[matthewfnorbert]

On order? Excellent.
almost there mate!!

[Vulture]

Nice neat interior. Holden and HSV could learn a bit from this.
Some cheap plastics on the lower sections. As Chris Harris would say it's all good above "testicle height".
Annoyed me that the carbon fibre dash is a cost option on the CLA ($990) but standard on the cheaper A45. I liked it so had to have that.

2519

2520

[ROH]

Congrats on the purchase.
I really like this car.

[matthewfnorbert]

is the $990 carbon option for the matt 'soft' carbon or the polished hard typical carbon?

[mjrandom]

Nice Simon, where is the electric handbrake button?

[Vulture]

Thanks guys. Not sure where the handbrake is. I'm yet to even see one of these things. Just bought two cars sight unseen! Wtf? Anyway, confident they will be great. The standard dash on the CLA is aluminium, looks ok but I wanted the carbon. Not sure if it is soft or hard. Have you been told any different Matthew?

[matthewfnorbert]

Not sure where the handbrake is. I'm yet to even see one of these things. Just bought two cars sight unseen! Wtf? Anyway, confident they will be great. The standard dash on the CLA is aluminium, looks ok but I wanted the carbon. Not sure if it is soft or hard. Have you been told any different Matthew?
ive seen two different write ups, one showed a soft faux carbon pattern the other the bling garden variety..hopefully aus spec is the latter. im off to the dealer today to enquire on price/avaliability

[Vulture]

Other options are the black wheels instead of silver (same design and size either way), stiffer suspension ($1990 I think, I passed on that as I think our roads won't go well with that plus its an AMG so probably firm as it is), seat belts can be ordered red or black (no cost). That's it. It has everything else standard that are options in other markets. Panoramic roof, higher spec stereo etc all standard. Makes buying easy. The A45 has the exterior aero pack as well as an option.

[matthewfnorbert]

soft carbon

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&docid=KLVCXEqJPeIcgM&tbnid=iWmTJsqPr0l-iM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.icarreview.com%2Fmercedes-cla-45-amg-360-horses-ready-for-the-new-york-auto-show-2013%2F&ei=DI8eUvyLGIPOkwXY_4CwCg&psig=AFQjCNEdIC8N4bY4TUGi3Ct7YfcKy0snXA&ust=1377820764178210

[Vulture]

I think it's hard to know exactly with the trim as those pics are all overseas models. They can spec carbon exterior finishes whereas ours are the black highlights for exterior.
The Aussie A45s might give a better guide as to what the interior carbon on the CLA might be like.

[Pickles]

For some reason, I've never been a fan of "carbon", in any car....a complete waste of money...... IMHO.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Vulture]

Yes, I just didn't like the alloy dash finish on this one.

[Vulture]

Yes, I just didn't like the alloy dash finish on this one. The theme of mine will be white and black so wanted to continue that.

[mjrandom]

OT but did you go the crime scene interior on the GTS?

[Vulture]

OT but did you go the crime scene interior on the GTS?

:lol: No, couldn't do it. But it didn't look all that bad on the R8 I saw at Zupps. I like the red stitching that it comes with.

But I did go red belts in the CLA :hide:

Now just to find a 25yo girlfriend who can drive it and make me feel like a sugar daddy.

[mjrandom]

What do you want her to drive again?

[Vulture]

What do you want her to drive again?

I'm not answering that on the grounds I may incriminate myself.

[offshore]

I think it's hard to know exactly with the trim as those pics are all overseas models. They can spec carbon exterior finishes whereas ours are the black highlights for exterior.
The Aussie A45s might give a better guide as to what the interior carbon on the CLA might be like.

Only time i specified carbon was when i mixed it with alcantara on the Porsche GT2RS build on the website lol.

[Vulture]

Some more info for the people interested in the CLA.
The carbon trim is real carbon fibre and is different to the A45.
It is the harder look and across the top of the dash, not extended under the radio unit.
Is this what you were talking about Matthew?
I like the first pic better.
Just found out that my car will be delayed as, even though I am first in line for the carbon interior, it isn't being put in the first car on order.
Delivery pushed out to December now but I'm not worried. Will be a good Christmas present.

Like this
2524

NOT like this
2523

[matthewfnorbert]

awesome, like the real carbon.. getting itchy trigger finger

[mjrandom]

That does look classy.

[matthewfnorbert]

12 second 400 with new GTS

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/mercedesbenz-cla45-amg-first-drive-review-20131008-2v5q8.html

[Vulture]

Had a brief drive of a CLA 45 AMG the other day.
Very impressive little car.

First impression is that it is not as comfortable as the GTS as the suspension set up is rather firm - one of the disadvantages of not having an adjustable system like the MRC in the GTS. The ride is certainly more compliant than my father's E46 M3 which tends towards the harsh end of the spectrum but the little CLA is not for lavender fairies that is for sure!

The salesman wasn't keen on me giving it too many herbs as it was being run-in and they have had complaints from around the city after some test drives recently. Despite that, the engine felt very strong with only a hint of turbo lag. I was surprised but it had less lag than the twice-as-large-engined FG XR6 turbo I had a year or so ago and the exhaust crackle and thump on gear changes is laugh-out-loud fun.

The 7 speed dual clutch box is wonderful, very capable and smooth in auto mode and a riot in manual. I did notice the large gap between 2nd and 3rd ratios that the journos complained about. The interior could do with less harsh plastic below the dash and the carbon strip didn't extent to the drivers side part of the dash which gives rise to a brief impression of cost cutting. Front seats are very snug and if you are a big beefcake you will need to look elsewhere for your thrills. Distronic (or the radar cruise control) has to be experienced to truly appreciate. The vehicle will follow the car in front in city traffic maintaining a safe distance and brakes to a stop as the car in front stops. It can then be re-engaged when the lights turn green and it will accelerate up again. Of course, only if there is a car in front will it brake to a stop. Worth remembering lest you sail through a red light!

Overall I'm glad I'm getting one in December. Word is that if you order one now you should not expect to take delivery until the next financial year!
BMW and Audi simply have no answer for this little fire-cracker at present. I am sure they will soon but for now it rules the roost.

[tunga]

Had 2 really good drives of the 'mini weapon ' a couple of weeks ago ,and immediately followed by a good drive in the E63 and it convinced me of two things in particular , to quote 2 old sayings, "there is no replacement for displacement " and there's nothing quite like (short pause) a V8 ,

[matthewfnorbert]

vulture, tell me a bit more about the ride relative to use a daily driver in city/country roads? your opinion?

[Vulture]

I'd need to have a more extended drive but my brief impression is that it is firmer than the GTS even when that is in "track" setting. I think it is still easily suitable as a daily drive, certainly softer than my 370z with Tein coil overs (which is pretty harsh even on soft). Based on my brief drive I am not concerned about it being uncomfortable. It is firm and "taught" the way a sporty small car should feel. I wouldn't opt for the performance suspension upgrade though - unless I intended to take it on the track regularly.

[Vulture]

Word is now that if you want a CLA45 AMG you will be lucky to pick one up before 2015!
The A45 is a little easier to get, orders now for late 2014.
Guess resale will be good.
Mine delayed now until January and I was one of the very first CLA orders.

[Vulture]

Fantastic!
What sort of crank power would that be tuned?
Do you think they are making the 265kw crank power untuned?

[Vulture]

Will the tuning be available in QLD?
That's sensational power.

[matthewfnorbert]

yep they drove me away! because they were willing to fib about a realistic delivery date! been burnt before not doing that again. a shame as i really wanted one..


Word is now that if you want a CLA45 AMG you will be lucky to pick one up before 2015!
The A45 is a little easier to get, orders now for late 2014.
Guess resale will be good.
Mine delayed now until January and I was one of the very first CLA orders.

[Drizt]

Excellent work for tune only.

Would love one of these in manual and V8 :)

[Vulture]

Picked up the CLA 45 AMG on Friday. What a great little car it is. Looks brilliant in white.
Have barely driven it so far and the interior gadgets are even more bewildering than those in the GTS so will take a little more time to get my head around them
I haven't tried launch control yet but will soon. It is a very agile ball-tearer of a car overall. Exhaust is surprisingly loud and the farting on gear shifts is fun and turns heads. Negatives: the 320km/h speedo is silly and means that with a quick glance at the speedometer is is hard to see whether I am doing 60km/h or 80km/h as the gradations are so fine.

There is evidence of the much larger resources of Mercedes compared with HSV in regard to the overall feel of quality. Things like the auto high beam and radar cruise control, the bi-xenon headlamps and the materials used - especially the quality of the seats. However, the GTS is still a much, much faster car. There is, of course, much more torque and power everywhere. Any gear, any speed. The ride of the GTS with the MRC is miles ahead as well.
Will report back with some more impressions when I get a chance.

[blackvussii]

Good buy, I reckon they look really sharp. Pulled at next to a white one at the lights on the way home from nightshift a couple weeks ago. I gather he was using launch control cause well before the light went green he had it stalled up, high revs and took off like a bullet. Nice crisp exhaust note, definately rate them.