Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first official images of the A45 AMG before its official unveiling at the Geneva motorshow.

The earlier spy shots gave us an indication of its SLS like front profile and the engine will be the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is expected to deliver 360 HP at 6000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 2,250 & 5,000 rpm.

All that available torque is force fed to all four wheels through a dual-clutch, seven-speed transmission with Race Start function.

We expect Mercedes to offer a performance pack to remove this limitation along with revised suspension and lighter alloys.

Mercedes-AMG addresses the essential challenges concerning the response of small-displacement turbo engines by means of a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum nonrestrictive design of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy.

The twin-scroll technology provides for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure, making effective use of exhaust gas back pressure, exhaust gas temperature and exhaust gas impulse. This results in a swifter build-up of torque right from the lower rev range.

As a positive side-effect, the twin-scroll technology also benefits fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. At a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine also leads the field in this respect.

The AMG sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap. This technology, which is familiar from the SLK 55 AMG, reconciles the two apparently conflicting aims of tangible dynamism and hallmark Mercedes comfort on long journeys.

The flap is continuously adjusted by map control according to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed. The two striking tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system emit a fascinating, full engine sound which is particularly impressive during powerful acceleration.

So Audi RS and BMW M have some entry level competition not only in power but also price.

Source: AMG