The reveal of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show was somewhat of a surprise. It wasn’t actually surprising to know that Mercedes-Benz was working on an AMG variant of the GLA-Class, but more so because of the fact the automaker decided to preview it in the form of a concept. This was despite the fact that both the CLA 45 AMG and A 45 AMG were first released in the production trim.
Nevertheless, we recently brought you renderings showcasing how the road-going Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG would look, and now comes the news that the new AMG-powered GLA will debut at next week’s Detroit Motor Show 2014. Consequently, the online debut of the new GLA 45 AMG should just be a few days away.
While we eagerly await the release of the production-spec GLA 45 AMG, let’s remind ourselves about the concept version. It features the 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine packing a 360 hp punch. Torque is pegged at 450 newton metres and the GLA 45 AMG Concept is said to offer low fuel consumption. Thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is achieved in under five seconds. The gearbox is an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission.
In terms of looks, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept features AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tyres finished in matt black with a red rim flange. Centre lock-looks are a nod to racing, and the AMG high-performance braking system is evident with its red brake callipers.
At the front, the concept features a large front splitter in high-gloss black with black flics together with the large cooling air intakes. The car features number “45″ on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. It also gets a “twin-blade” radiator grille finished in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, high-gloss black roof rails and a large rear aerosol.
