It was pretty obvious that the Mercedes CLA45 AMG is going to spawn a racing car, and here it is. It's going to have its public debut next week at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt. Actually, the German car manufacturer is planning to launch a whole racing series reserved for the Mercedes CLA45 AMG. Mercedes sees the new Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing as a competitive, near-standard racing car for private teams. The Racing version of the CLA45 AMG is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which, in the road-legal version, develops 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing could have slightly higher horsepower and torque outputs. We suspect the Racing CLA45 AMG is going to have the same SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission too. Mercedes says they can vary the CLA45 AMG's power output and transmission options to suit the particular racing series you're planning to use it in. There's a choice between front-wheel-drive and AWD too.
Here are some actual facts about the Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing. The body is made from CFRP, including the front and rear aprons, the front splitter, the rear diffuser, the huge rear wing and the side skirts. These parts are not just for show. Mercedes says they provide actual downforce. More than that, the various vents provide cooling for the engine compartment and the brakes. The CLA45 AMG Racing's boot and bonnet are fitted with quick release catches.
For the interior of the CLA45 AMG Racing, Mercedes is using a full steel roll-over cage, a Recaro carbon-fiber P 1300 GT racing bucket seat good for a HANS system (Head and Neck Support), a fire extinguishing system, and a telemetrics system.
Merc's fun class CLA45 AMG comes with an adjustable suspension system, wider tracks on both ends, high-performance brakes, speed-sensitive sports steering assists and special tires developed by Dunlop.
The Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing's price has not been announced yet.
