AMG does their magic on the new 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class

It didn’t take the boys at Affalterback long to get their hands on the new SUV GLA-Class. And they did what they do best, they turned the new premium compact SUV into a true performance vehicle that will light up the tires. Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the new Concept GLA45 AMG at the LA Auto Show 2013 this week. Why did they do it? Because it’s their mission in life to show what tuning will do to any Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

This new 2015 GLA45 AMG features the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world. AMG introduced it in the 2014 CLA45 AMG. It gets the same AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque. It has the power to excite any performance fan.

How fast will the new GLA45 AMG go? It will launch from 0-60 in less than five seconds. Mercedes-AMG uses a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission to deliver power to all four wheels. And Mercedes is targeting a young group of buyers to the brand with the new premium compact AMG vehicles.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition."

Outside, the GLA45 AMG Concept gets special goodies that will command attention on the street. It gets AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange.It also features AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake calipers.

It gets unique body work up front with a large front splitter in high-gloss black, lack flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes. It also features number "45" on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windshield. Other distinctive AMG design elements include "twin-blade" radiator grille in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a "TURBO AMG" badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is still in concept form, but we can be sure when the GLA-Class launches next year, this GLA 45 AMG will be a production vehicle that will appeal to performance fans around the globe. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest GLA-Class news.