2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 Tackles The Nürburgring Virtually Undisguised

The next-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 has made yet another appearance at the Nürburgring, this time with less camouflage than ever before.

The only parts of the car that are still covered with tape are the front end, side skirts, lower rear bumper, and roof spoiler. Speaking of the latter, it’s a less conspicuous version of the massive wing we’ve seen on other A45 prototypes. This could indicate we’re dealing with the lower-powered base model.

Also watch: New Mercedes-AMG A45 Feels Right At Home On The Green Hell

Unlike the current model, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine in the 2020 A45 will come in two states of tune. According to data from German insurance company HUK-Coburg, the base model will offer 387 PS (382 hp) while the range-topping Mercedes-AMG A45 S will deliver 421 PS (415 hp) using a tweaked version of the same engine.

The base model will, therefore, offer 81 PS (80 hp) more than the Mercedes-AMG A35 but that won’t be the only difference. The A45 will also feature a beefier body kit with more aggressive bumpers, broader wheel-arches, and quad exhaust pipes — not to mention the Panamericana grille that the A35 doesn’t have access to.

Regardless of the version, the second-generation Mercedes-AMG A45 will be a cut above its predecessor from a performance standpoint. The outgoing model needs 4.2 seconds to cover the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint and the new one will likely shave several tenths off that time. Top speed is likely to remain electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), although the A45 S could offer the option of an unrestricted top speed.

As with the first-generation model, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system will be standard. The big news, however, is the addition of a drift mode which should make things a lot more interesting. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission will also be a welcome addition compared to the seven-speed unit in the outgoing A45.