Mercedes-AMG shows-off A45’s drift mode
The hottest of hot hatches is set to slide into 2019.
Mercedes-AMG's highly-anticipated second-generation A45 has been showcased in an unorthodox holiday message on YouTube, proving the hot hatch has the promised 'Drift' mode.
In the video (below), a prototype A45 is seen sliding around a damp test circuit "Somewhere in Northern Germany" as its test driver escapes the Christmas tunes playing in the garage.
The Ken Block-style clip shows the car sliding through bends, kicking up dirt and knocking over a series of traffic cones - all with its tail hanging out and rear wheels spinning.
While AMG has yet to reveal any technical details, the A45 is expected to feature a complex new-generation all-wheel drive transmission - much the same as that used in the Ford Focus RS - that can deliver more torque to the rear axle in order to act like a rear-drive machine.
Under the bonnet, it will be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder engine that could likely break through the 300kW barrier and is expected to feature an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, ensuring it will rocket from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds before maxxing out at 250km/h.
While the car in the video is cloaked in swirly, colourful stickers to hide its details, it is clear the A45 will wear AMG's signature 'Panamericana' grille - giving it a visual difference from the new lower-grade 225kW A35 that will arrive in showrooms first.
Stay tuned to Drive for more details of the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A45 when it is revealed in full at the Geneva motor show in March.