The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept has been revealed ahead of its world premiere at next week’s Frankfurt motor show, previewing a possible future GT3 racing car.
Based on the all-paw high-performance road-going four-door coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept has been built to demonstrate the brand’s desire to increase its commitment to customer motorsport and entice interested GT3 customer teams to move into a four-cylinder platform.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of the 6.3-litre V8-powered SLS AMG GT3, which competes in GT3-category races around the world, the racing concept employs an identical turbocharged 2.0-litre engine to that found in the 265kW/450Nm CLA45 AMG road car.
Though the German manufacturer says the GT3-spec car will only be “deployed” internationally if demand is high enough, Mercedes-AMG GmbH CEO Ola Kallenius says the success of the SLS AMG GT3 “makes us highly confident”.
Able to be offered in all- or front-wheel-drive layouts and with varying engine outputs depending on the technical specifications required, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept features a raft of single-purpose modifications.
Carbonfibre front and rear bumpers, flared wheels arches and side skirts join a front splitter, rear diffuser and large rear wing also made out of the same lightweight material.
Fully adjustable racing suspension widens the front and rear track and partners with a high-performance AMG braking system and slick racing tyres.
Inside the semi-stripped interior is a full roll cage, HANS system-compatible carbonfibre Recaro racing bucket seat, paddle-equipped racing steering wheel and an integrated fire extinguishing system.
Claiming a 0-100km/h time of 4.6 seconds, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG road car is due to launch in Australia in October, priced from $86,900, alongside the entry-level CLA200 ($49,900) and ahead of the CLA250 Sport ($63,400) planned to follow in February.
