Mercedes Showing CLA45 AMG Racing Series Concept and CLA 250 Sport at Frankfurt Show

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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is showing the possible future for the CLA45 AMGMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMGGermany, 2013 > present6 photos
at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10 with the Racing SeriesMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG ...Germany, 2014 > 2014 concept. It imagines a possible CLA45 AMG for a future one-make racing series. It will also debut the CLA250 Sport at the show, and it will go on sale in December.

According to Mercedes, the CLA45 AMG Racing Series is meant to show the company’s commitment to customer racing and at a price cheaper than the SLS AMG GT3Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3Germany, 2011 > present19 photos
. It uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the production version with 355hp (360ps) and 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque, but it would be offered in several power specifications to align with regional racing series. It could even offer the car with either all-wheel drive like the production car or front-wheel drive.

The Racing Series gets a wider track for better grip on the track and adjustable ride height, spring rate and dampers. High-performance brakes with ventilated discs all the way around are also added.

The front and rear bumper, fenders and sills are replaced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic units to safe weight. The wheels are also made from carbon fiber, and they are mounted on slick tires.

The interior is stripped out and replaced with a steel roll cage, Recaro carbon fiber racing seat and fire extinguisher system.

Mercedes says that the Racing Series is just a concept for now but shows what is possible with the CLA-Class.

Mercedes will also debut the CLA250 Sport in Frankfurt that is meant to provide some of the fun of the AMG version but be a bit less extreme.

It uses the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the AMG, but power is set at 208hp (211ps) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

It gets standard 18in AMG, five-spoke black wheels, red brake calipers, an AMG-spec front suspension, AMG-tuned variable power steering and upgraded exhaust. They also get red exterior trim along the front and rear bumper and red seat belts inside.

Orders will begin on October 7 for €42,304.50, including 19% German VAT, and deliveries begin in December.