Author Topic: First Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG (Read 10898 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** June 25, 2013, 06:30:35 am »

This new baby Benz may be the entry point to AMG performance, but delivers the most power per litre of any production engine and fierce acceleration to rival its V8 AMG siblings.

Read More...

Railton · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2013, 07:31:20 am »

Mid 50's CDN for this seems like a deal undercutting even the TTRS, which, even though a 2 door I am comparing this AMG to.
I've always 'dug' those CLS 4 doors. This one equally.
Hmmm...

Railton

Snowman · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2013, 07:50:53 am »

There is no coupe model?

tpl · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2013, 07:51:10 am »

I would settle for an AWD B-class with perhaps just 50 more bhp. I can see the appeal of the AMG tho'

Snowman · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2013, 08:11:33 am »

I am reading this is a slip and grip AWD.....Basically a 100% FWD car until it gets slippery...I'm out.

Railton · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2013, 08:19:15 am »

Quote from: Snowman on June 25, 2013, 08:11:33 am

I am reading this is a slip and grip AWD.....Basically a 100% FWD car until it gets slippery...I'm out.

I didn't read that Man. I did read double clutch and Launch Control though.
Railton

MR2Pritch · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:32:28 am »

Quote from: Snowman on June 25, 2013, 08:11:33 am

I am reading this is a slip and grip AWD.....Basically a 100% FWD car until it gets slippery...I'm out.

Not positive but likely engages the rear wheels from a launch, assuming that its similar to the standard model's 4matic system. drove that in france, very limited signs that its front drive when you toss it around hard. I can't imagine this would use a slip-and-grip... probably one of the newer and more pre-emptive systems. If i recall, more rear-wheel power bias too

MR2Pritch · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:33:33 am »

I want one of these so bad. They can keep the front driveshafts and the mufflers and all the electronic nannies, and I'll put the saved cash into brake pads and tires for track day

OliverD · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:36:25 am »

Quote from: Snowman on June 25, 2013, 07:50:53 am

There is no coupe model?

This is a coupe.

whaddaiknow · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:37:49 am »

Quote from: Autos_Editor on June 25, 2013, 06:30:35 am

This new baby Benz may be the entry point to AMG performance, but delivers the most power per litre of any production engine and fierce acceleration to rival its V8 AMG siblings.

Read More...

Me liky. Me wants this. At low 50's it's a heck of a lot of performance packed in a FGC.

Railton · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:39:34 am »

Quote from: OliverD on June 25, 2013, 09:36:25 am

Quote from: Snowman on June 25, 2013, 07:50:53 am
There is no coupe model?

This is a coupe.

Yup, a 4 door coupe. FGC's.

Railton

redman · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2013, 09:44:11 am »

Pretty well stopped reading after "...Yes, this smallest and most affordable of AMGs uses half the cylinders of its V8 siblings, is natively front-wheel drive"
This is MB marketing wrongly IMO leveraging the AMG nameplate not a true core AMG product. It's a sad day when car companies start diminishing reputable product line in the name of short term sales. (Jeep are you listening) !!!

ar_ken · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2013, 10:14:52 am »

Quote from: redman on June 25, 2013, 09:44:11 am

Pretty well stopped reading after "...Yes, this smallest and most affordable of AMGs uses half the cylinders of its V8 siblings, is natively front-wheel drive"
This is MB marketing wrongly IMO leveraging the AMG nameplate not a true core AMG product. It's a sad day when car companies start diminishing reputable product line in the name of short term sales. (Jeep are you listening) !!!

Agreed to a certain extend. However some of these products that "diminishes" the brand name are usually the ones that brings in the most cash (ie. Porsche Cayenne).. someone's got to pay the bills to those fancy factories and dealerships right?

I remember reading somewhere when the Cayenne first came out... something similar to "for every Cayenne sold, that's more money for Porsche to develop the next 911.."

Fobroader · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2013, 10:16:37 am »

Slip and grip....ok on some wannabe CUV thing used for groceries and soccer practice.....then they mention "track"....no thank you. I wonder with a little computer software if you could completely eliminate the front wheels out of the equation and have a poor mans C63. Saying that, Id rather a C63...or an STi and have enough money left over to make this wannabe AMG look silly.

Fobroader · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2013, 11:10:01 am »

They want $70K for this "AMG" with slip and grip awd.....$70K is C63 territory, a proper AMG with a growling V8. You want a fun AWD car, Golf R or STi, at least they have an awd system.

tpl · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2013, 11:28:50 am »

The Golf R is essentially slip and grip. Haldex clutch system which ( as it is the newer system) with the clutch preloaded so it engages with a 1/2 a revolution or so. I would not be surprised if the CLA is not the same system. The longitudinal engined M-B cars? I don't know but there are a few mechanically easy ways to do that.

dirtyjeffer · « **Reply #16 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:23:07 pm »

where do you get "slip and grip" from?...i'm thinking it is the same system used in other AWD MB products, which often seem to be well rated...i think this is a fantastic car, which helps bridge the gap for people who want "a little more", without over doing it too much.

mixmanmash · « **Reply #17 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:24:31 pm »

Quote from: dirtyjeffer on June 25, 2013, 01:23:07 pm

where do you get "slip and grip" from?...i'm thinking it is the same system used in other AWD MB products, which often seem to be well rated...i think this is a fantastic car, which helps bridge the gap for people who want "a little more", without over doing it too much.

It can't be the same system as all the other systems are longitudinal mount based (i.e. RWD platform based). This application is transverse mount based (i.e. FWD platform based).

Railton · « **Reply #18 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:43:46 pm »

Quote from: mixmanmash on June 25, 2013, 01:24:31 pm

Quote from: dirtyjeffer on June 25, 2013, 01:23:07 pm
where do you get "slip and grip" from?...i'm thinking it is the same system used in other AWD MB products, which often seem to be well rated...i think this is a fantastic car, which helps bridge the gap for people who want "a little more", without over doing it too much.

It can't be the same system as all the other systems are longitudinal mount based (i.e. RWD platform based). This application is transverse mount based (i.e. FWD platform based).

Without details we are just shooting blanks but the old Mitsubishi Eclipse/Talons (transverse mounted turbo four) had a VC splitting power 50/50 F/R and a second VC between the rear axle. Railton

tpl · « **Reply #19 on:** June 25, 2013, 01:52:33 pm »

Quote from: mixmanmash on June 25, 2013, 01:24:31 pm

Quote from: dirtyjeffer on June 25, 2013, 01:23:07 pm
where do you get "slip and grip" from?...i'm thinking it is the same system used in other AWD MB products, which often seem to be well rated...i think this is a fantastic car, which helps bridge the gap for people who want "a little more", without over doing it too much.

It can't be the same system as all the other systems are longitudinal mount based (i.e. RWD platform based). This application is transverse mount based (i.e. FWD platform based).

You are correct Mixman. That is why I suggest it might be the newest Haldex with the near instant response