Rumors: Spy Shots—Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

Even though it won’t be hitting the streets until sometime in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz CLA sub-compact sedan has been spotted by spy photographers for quite some time. Now, we have our first glimpse of the hotted up CLA 45 AMG sedan, thanks to the spy shooters over at Carscoop. The CLA is based on MB’s MFA architecture—the same platform that underpins the new A-Class.

Platform technology isn’t the only thing the CLA 45 AMG will share with the A-Class—under the hood, it will feature the same 330 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the A45 AMG. All that grunt will be routed through a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission, which should help put down some impressive performance numbers.

The vehicle seen here differs visually from other CLA prototypes we’ve seen because of larger brakes and unique black five-spoke wheels. Once the camouflage is removed, we should see further visual upgrades including larger air intakes, a rear diffuser, and reworked front and rear bumpers, among others. While the CLA 45 AMG is physically taking shape, we will still have to wait for specifics like price and an exact arrival date.