Mercedes CLA45 AMG to Bow Next Year in Frankfurt

Mercedes will debut its CLA45 AMG during the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as a close competitor to the BMW 135i.

When that happens, the world will get a live look at what AutoCar says brand insiders are calling a “baby CLS63 AMG.” While Merc is still keeping details about the car close, it will use the same 2.0-liter four cylinder as the smaller A45 AMG. Expect 349 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes CLA 45 AMG Spied Testing

It wouldn’t be a big surprise if those power ratings turn out to be true considering the A45 version of the engine makes 325 hp, meaning this would be a massaged version with more power for a larger car.

Apart from using a four cylinder, which is a drastic change for AMG, the car will also be Mercedes’ first performance sedan to use a transverse engine layout.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG spy photos

[Source: AutoCar]