2013 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG Concept

Compact SUV with Driving Performance

Mercedes-AMG rigorously continues its product initiative: with the new GLA45 AMG the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz makes a dynamic statement in the strongly growing segment of compact  SUVs. The combination of powerful-distinctive design, exclusive appointments as well as superior engine power and driving performance is unique: the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world puts 355 hp of power and 332  lb-ft of torque on the road.

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The GLA45  AMG also  holds  pole  position  with  regard  to driving  dynamics:  it  accelerates  from  zero  to  0-60 mph  in  4.8  seconds  and  reaches   a  top  speed  of 155  mph  (electronically  limited).  Thanks  to  the  combination  of  standard performance-oriented  AMG 4MATIC  four  wheel  drive  and  AMG  SPEEDSHIFT  DCT  7-speed  sports  transmission, the  GLA45  AMG  impresses with  its  equally sporty  and  efficient  drive  system  concept.

Tobias  Moers,  Chairman  of  the  Management   Board  at  Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “The response to  the  Concept  GLA45  AMG during  the  world  premiere   at  the Los  Angeles  International Auto Show has  reaffirmed our  decision  to  launch  this  new  AMG  model.  Currently   no  segment   is  growing  faster  than  that  of compact SUVs.  For  Mercedes-AMG  it  is  therefore  logical  to  make  a  dynamic  statement in  this  segment   with  the  GLA45 AMG . Our  new  high-performance-SUV  not  only  offers  the  world’s  most  powerful  series-production four-cylinder  engine,  but also  impressively low fuel  consumption and  emissions   figures.  Not least on  account  of  the  performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC  four  wheel  drive,  the GLA45 AMG is a true AMG when it comes to driving  dynamics.”
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Young target group:  styling, dynamics and independence

In  addition  to  the  CLA45  AMG, the  GLA45  AMG is  the  second  vehicle  with  a four-cylinder  turbo  engine  to  appeal  to  a  young  target  group.  Customers  take  a great  interest in  styling,  dynamics  and  independence –  traits  that  are  perfectly embodied  in  the  new  high-performance SUV  from  Affalterbach.  Meeting  a  wide variety  of  customer  desires  has  always  been  one  of  the  strengths of Mercedes-AMG. The  GLA45  AMG now  expands  the  extensive   high-performance SUV lineup  to  four  models  in  the  U.S.  (GLA45  AMG, ML63 AMG, GL63  AMG,  and G63 AMG).  Mercedes-AMG  thus  offers  the  widest  range  of  SUVs  among  all high-performance premium  brands.

Hallmark  AMG  features:  the  world’s  most  powerful  series-produced  four-cylinder   engine Best  in  class:  the  GLA45  AMG engine  fully  lives  up  to this  claim,  as  a look at  the  figures  shows.  The AMG 2.0-liter  turbo  engine  is  the  most  powerful  series production  four-cylinder turbo  engine  in  the  world.  It produces  355  hp  of  power and  develops  a peak  torque  of  332  lb-ft. A power  output  of  178  HP  puts  the  AMG high-performance turbo  engine  on  a par  with  the  world’s  most  powerful  super sports  cars.

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Development of the high-performance turbo engine  placed  emphasis on  a sustainable reduction  in  particulate emissions.  The AMG  2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo  engine  features  spray-guided direct  petrol  injection  with  Piezo  injectors positioned  centrally  in  the  four  combustion  chambers   and  an  injection pressure of  200 bar. The combination  of multiple  fuel  injection  and  multiple spark  ignition  improves  fuel  economy  and  significantly   increases the thermodynamic efficiency ,  leading  to low exhaust   emissions.   The  injection system’s  outstanding  flexibility  also  ensures a  high  degree  of  freedom  in  terms of  application.

There  are  up  to  five injections  per  combustion  cycle  in  the  cold start  and  warm-up  phase,  which  is  so  crucial  for emissions.  One of the key factors  for in-engine particulate reduction   is  a  reduction   of  the  individual injection  quantities.

Further highlights of the AMG 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine:
•    Gravity-die sand-cast all-aluminum crankcase
•    Weight-optimized crank mechanism with forged steel crankshaft
•    Forged pistons with friction-optimized piston rings
•    NANOSLIDE cylinder liner technology
•    Air-to-water intercooling system
•    Alternator management
•    ECO start/stop function

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Twin-scroll turbocharger and AMG sports exhaust system with variable vane Mercedes-AMG addresses the  basic  challenge  with  regard  to the  throttle response of  a small-capacity  turbo  engine  by  using  a twin-scroll  turbocharger , maximum  de-throttling  of  the  exhaust   system  and  an  innovative  injection strategy .  Twin-scroll  technology  provides  a  more  spontaneous build-up  of  charge pressure: utilization  of  the  exhaust  back-pressure, exhaust-gas  temperature  and exhaust-gas pulse  has  a positive  impact.  This  results  in  a faster  build-up of torque even  at  low engine  speeds.  A  positive  side-effect:  fuel  consumption and  exhaust   emissions   also  benefit  from  twin-scroll  technology .  With  a  maximum charge  pressure of  26psi,  the  AMG 2.0-liter  four-cylinder  turbo  engine  leads  the field on  this  front,  too.

The AMG sports  exhaust   system  in  the  GLA45  AMG features  large  pipe  crosssections and  an  automatically controlled  viarable  vane:  this  technology reconciles the  two conf licting  goals  of  a  dynamic  driving  experience and hallmark   Mercedes  suitability   for long-distance  driving.  The vane  in  the  rear muffler  is  continuously adjusted  under  map  control  according  to the  driver’s performance   needs,  load  condition  and  engine  speed.  The two  rectangular  chrome-plated  twin  tailpipes  of  the  AMG  sports  exhaust   system  emit  a  fascinating  exhaust   note,  which  is  particularly impressive   during  powerful  acceleration.  An AMG Performance  exhaust   syst em,  also  equipped  with  an  exhaust   vane,  is  available  as  an  optional  extra.  Customers  opting  for this  system will experience an  even  more  appealing  and  distinctive  engine  sound.

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Engine production –  a tradition  of  hand-built  excellence

The  AMG  2.0-liter four-cylinder  turbo  engine  is  assembled   purely  by  hand  in accordance  with  the  traditional   AMG  philosophy  of  “one  man,  one  engine”.  Apart  from  serving  as  an  AMG  hallmark   confirming  superlative production quality ,  the  AMG  engine  badge  bearing  the  engine  fitter’s  signature also  attests the  peerless   DNA  of  Mercedes-Benz’s  high-performance brand.

The  AMG  SPEEDSHIFT  DCT 7-speed  sports  transmission  in  the  GLA45 AMG  features  three  distinct  transmission modes,  a  double-declutching function  dependent on  the  transmission  mode  and  a  RACE  START  function  for optimum  acceleration.   The  strengths of  the  dual-clutch  transmission  include spontaneous  gear  shifts  without  loss  of tractive  power ,  a  tailor-made  control  strategy   based  on  the  AMG SPEEDSHIFT  functions, extremely   smooth  gear  shifts,  and  a  high  level  of  efficiency. The  shift  times  in  manual mode  “M”  and  in  sport  mode  “S”  are  similarly  sporty in  character to  those  of  t he  SLS  AMG  GT super sports car.  Quick  and  precise retardation  of  the  ignition  and  suppressing injection  under  full  load  lead  to even faster  gear  shifts  in  “M”  and  “S”  modes,  with  a  more  exciting  sound.  The transmission control  fully  utilizes  the  benefits  of  direct  injection  technology right  up  to  the  physical  limits:  the  quicker  engine  response   ensures that injection  is  suppressed  with  even  more  precision.  The effect: the shift  speed and an  emotional  sound  experience make  for a  fascinating   ride.  Another special  feature  designed  to  enhance   dynamic  performance and  driving  pleasure   is  the  so-called “Momentary  M mode”  –  as  seen  in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series super sports car. In  “C”  mode  (Controlled  Efficiency),  smooth  transmission  and  engine characteristics support  a  fuel-efficient  and  comfort-oriented driving  style.  In addition,  the  ECO  star t/stop function  is  active  in  “C”  mode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh0ir4n4g1k

Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC four wheel drive as standard

The  GLA45  AMG comes  with  variable  AMG 4MATIC  four  wheel  drive  as  standard. In  developing  this  four  wheel-drive  system,  the  focus  was  firmly  on performance  and  dynamic  spirit.  The  all-wheel-drive system  transfers the engine  power  to  the  road  optimally  and  provides  perfect  traction  –  regardless of  the  weather  conditions.  It  also  elevates  driving  dynamics  to  the  highest  level.

The  entire  drive  system  boasts  a  weight-saving  and  compact  design:  the  power take-off unit  (PTU) is  fully  integrated into  the  7-speed sports  transmission and handles   the  power  transfer   to  the  rear  drivetrain. A  two-part  propeller  shaft sends  the  power  of  the  engine  to  the  rear  axle  as  well.  In  the  interests of favorable  weight  distribution, an  electro-hydraulically controlled  multiple-disc clutch  is  integral  with  the  rear-axle differential.   A hydraulic  pump instantaneously  presses   the  discs  together  and  channels the  engine torque  to the rear  wheels  as  necessary . All this  goes  unnoticed   by  the  driver .  Power distribution is  fully  variable:  during  normal  driving  the  GLA45  AMG uses  front-wheel  drive  for optimal  efficiency .  Where  needed,  the  variable  four-wheel-drive system  splits  the  torque  between  the  front  and  rear  axles  at  a  ratio  of  up  to 50:50  percent.

Typically  for  AMG,  the  Electronic  Stability  Program  is  configured  as  a  three-stage  ESP®.  The GLA45 AMG comes with three transmission modes: “ESP  ON”, “SPORT Handling  Mode”  and  “ESP  OFF”  –  enabling  the  driver  to  vary  dynamic performance according  to  individual  requirements at  the  push  of  a  button. ESP® Curve  Dynamic  Assist  is  likewise  included  as  standard. During dynamic cornering,  imperceptible braking  interventions on  the  rear  inside  wheel  create a defined  yaw  moment  about  the  vertical  axis.  The effect: the  GLA45  AMG turns in  precisely  and  controllably  at  all  times  while  unwelcome  understeer  is prevented.

AMG  sports  suspension and  AMG  high-performance  braking  system

One  of  the  keys  to  agile  handling   is  axle  technology:  for enhanced driving dynamics,  the  McPherson  front  axle  on  t he  GLA45  AMG  is  fitted  with  stiffer  steering   knuckles   and new  elasto-kinematics.  The four-link  rear  axle  has  also been  newly  developed.  Stability  and  precision  of  handling  are  enhanced by  the optimized  elasto-kinematics and  the  rigid  connection  between  the  sub-frame   and the  body .  The  AMG  sports  suspension with  specially  tuned  spring/damper units  and  bigger  anti-roll  bars  ensures high  lateral  acceleration   and  reduced body  roll  when  driving  fast  on  winding  roads. An AMG performance suspension with firmer spring and damper tuning is available as an optional extra.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with specific, speed-dependent power assist ensures high steering precision and agility. The AMG high-performance braking system with vented, perforated brake discs all-round and gray-painted brake calipers delivers spontaneous and reliable deceleration. Red brake calipers are available as an optional extra.

In  standard specification  the  GLA45  AMG runs  on  5-twin-spoke  AMG  alloy wheels  painted  titanium   gray  with  high-sheen  finish,  mounted  with  tires  of size  235/45 R  1 9.

As an  optional  extra  from  the  AMG  Performance  Studio, customers can opt for larger 10-spoke  AMG  alloy  wheels  with  tires  of size 235/40 R 20  –  these  are  available  painted  titanium  gray with  high-sheen finish or painted matte black with  high-sheen rim flange.

Powerful and distinctive:  sensual clarity with AMG character

The design of the GLA45 AMG exudes fascination on account of its powerful and distinctive character. As the powerful AMG top-of-the-line model of the GLA class, the high-performance SUV combines the hallmark sensual clarity of Mercedes-Benz as an expression of modern luxury with muscular elements exclusive to AMG. The AMG front fascia with front splitter and the AMG “twin blade” radiator  grille provide athletic highlights – both are painted matte titanium gray. Completely new: the distinctive AMG lettering at the side between the louvers of the radiator  grille.  This  will  make  all  new  AMG  models easy  to  recognize  in  the  future.  Black  flics  (air  deflector  elements)   above  the large  cooling  air intakes  at  the  sides  pay  homage to motor sport. Bi-xenon headlights come as standard.
When  viewed  from  the  side,  the  distinctive   AMG  alloy  wheels  in  three  design options  certainly  catch  the  eye.  The side sill panels  with  matte  titanium   gray inserts, the
“TURBO AMG”  lettering   on  the  front  fenders  and  the  aluminum roof rails  lend  the  GLA45  AMG a  special  touch.  The rear  end  is  dominated   by the  diffuser  insert  with  titanium   gray  trim  and  the  rectangular ,  chrome-plated trim  of  the  twin  tailpipes  of  the  AMG  sports  exhaust   system  with  exhaust  flap.

The  following  AMG  equipment  features  can  optionally  upgrade  the  exterior design:

  • Aerodynamics package: larger front splitter, additional flics on the front fascia, rear spoiler
  • Carbon-fiber exterior  mirror  housings
  • Exterior  Carbon-Fiber  package:  carbon-fiber  front  splitter ,  side  sill  panel insert  and rear  fascia  trim,  with  twin  blade  of the  radiator  grille  in  silver chrome
  • Rear spoiler
  • Night  package:  black  anodized  waistline  trim  strip,  silver  chrome  radiator grille louvers;  high-gloss  black  front  splitter ,  exterior  mirrors, side  sill panel insert  and  rear  fascia  trim,  two  tailpipes  with  black  rectangular trim
  • Red painted brake calipers with black AMG lettering

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Interior design: high-quality, sporty, exclusive

As in  all  AMG  high-performance  automobiles,  the  interior  of  the  GLA45 AMG delights  with  its  high-quality  appeal  combined  with  sporty  f lair  and  exclusive equipment features.  These  include  sports  seats  upholstered  with  MB-Tex  manmade  leather/DINAMICA  microfiber  with  red  contrasting  topstitching and  red designo safety belts as  well  as  the  AMG  DRIVE  UNIT.  The 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with red contrasting topstitching, perforated leather in the grip area and steering-wheel shift paddles ensures perfect vehicle control. The AMG  instrument cluster with  2-tube design  and central  color  display ,  AMG  main  menu  and  RACETIMER  is  on  hand  to  keep  the  driver  up  to  date.  On opening  the  door ,  the  driver  is  greeted  by  the  AMG  startup screen.  The trim  of the  instrument panel  is  made  from  brushed   aluminum  and,  in  tandem  with  the  brushed   stainless-steel  AMG  front  door  sills, emphasizes the  high-grade,  exclusive  ambiance  inside  the  GLA45  AMG.

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The interior can be upgraded with the following AMG optional extras:

  • Performance   steering   wheel  in  black  nappa  leather/Alcantara®
  • Performance   seats  upholstered  in  leather  or  MB-Tex  man-made leather/DINAMICA microfiber for driver and front passenger, with more strongly contoured seat shape for enhanced  lateral  support  and  with integral  head  restraints, red  designo  safety  belts
  • Carbon-fiber  trim
  • Leather  upholstery   in  black,  crystal  gray,  nut  brown  or  black  ‘Red  Cut’ design

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