As Autocar UK understands, the Audi TT and BMW 2 Series may be facing a bit of competition come 2019 as its arch nemesis, Mercedes-Benz, will be looking to introduce a compact two-door coupe to rival the aforementioned models from Munich and Ingolstadt.
The entry-level sports coupe is slated to ride on the second-generation MFA platform, developed in conjunction with Renault-Nissan as part of a technical partnership. Should it go on sale, Autocar UK believes that the new car is expected to supersede the current A-Class hatch and will draw on stylistic elements from the Mercedes-AMG GT for a "highly emotional" outlook.
A 2+2 layout has been mentioned along with a boot capacity of around 350 litres, which should help to further broaden the car's day-to-day abilities. Along with a hardtop variant, the new coupe is likely to spawn a roadster version which, unsurprisingly, has led to rumours of Mercedes-Benz pulling the plug on the SLK/SLC - a move that has been denied by the German carmaker.
Further emulating the Audi TT, a transversely-mounted engine is likely to feature with a front-wheel drive layout offered as standard - all-wheel drive should come as a cost option. As for powerplant options, not much is known but sources close to the magazine have disclosed that a range of petrol and diesel engines, again co-developed with Renault-Nissan, are expected to feature.
As is the case with future Mercedes-Benz models, a plug-in hybrid is expected to debut as well. Naturally, the top dog in the range will be an AMG model. The fire-breathing adversary to the Audi TT RS and BMW M2 is touted to pack an uprated version of the A 45 AMG's turbocharged 2.0 litre engine. Power figures should hover around the 400 hp-mark while a dual-clutch gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive will come as standard.
The second-gen MFA platform is also expect to form the basis for the successors of the current B-, GLA- and CLA-Class models. Speaking of a CLA replacement, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly developing a new compact sedan that will square up against the likes of the sedan variants of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
Also touted is an entry-level GLB-Class SUV that will rival the Audi Q1 and next-generation MINI Countryman. Slated to receive the same 2019 market debut date as the A-Class coupe, the GLB will, allegedly, boast a more rugged, off-road-esque design as opposed to the more street-oriented outlook donned by the GLA-Class. Looks like an interesting few years ahead for the premium compact segment...
GALLERY: 2015 Audi TTS Coupe
No comments:
Post a Comment