Mercedes-Benz’s first high-performance AMG variant of the new A-Class has met with an unfortunate accident while conducting some high-speed tests at the Nürburgring. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is destined to be Affalterbach’s first all-wheel drive hot hatch, but this new batch of spy photography suggests there might be a few handling niggles that need remedying by the Mercedes-Benz AMG engineers. Judging by the photos, which show both airbags having gone off, a cracked windshield and damage to the front driver’s side, we think some unwanted understeer might have been the culprit in this accident.
When it goes on sale in 2013, the A45 AMG will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, which is expected to deliver more than 245 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Drive will be sent to all-four wheels via a 7-Speed AMG Speedshift DCT (dual-clutch transmission). An adaptable sports suspension setup, with independent front and rear suspension, as well as electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive steering, will keep the car connected to the road.
It is said the new Mercedes-Benz AMG will be capable of accelerating from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 250 km/h. The carmaker plans to introduce the model later this month at the Paris Motor Show, or so we hope, once they’ve downloaded the data and found out what caused this particular accident. The A45 AMG prototype has previously been spotted testing alongside a Volkswagen Golf R, which the AMG engineers were obviously using as a benchmark measurement for their new car.
