interview with mercedes benz head of design on the CLA

mercedes-benz CLA45 AMGimage courtesy mercedes-benz

details of the mercedes-benz CLA45 AMG – an entry level high-performance sedan based on the company’s most recent CLA class line-up – have surfaced in advance of the 2013 new york auto show. powered by a 360 horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the four-door coupe produces 450 lb-ft of torque. when paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the sedan is launched from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds – maxing out at approximately 250 km/h (155mph). the CLA claims to be the most aerodynamic series production car with a drag coefficient of 0.23 – compared to that of the tesla model S which has a 0.24 drag coefficient.

with features such as 4MATIC all-wheel drive, frame-less doors and ‘collision prevention assist’ the four-door coupe integrates a radar-based braking system capable of warning users of obstacles and to anticipate braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

powered by a 360 horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the coupe produces 450 lb-ft of torqueimage courtesy mercedes-benz

a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission launches the 4-door sedan from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 secondsimage courtesy mercedes-benz

AMG interior cockpitimage courtesy mercedes-benz

interview: gorden wagener, head of design at mercedes-benz on the CLA classvideo © designboom

gorden wagener, head of design at mercedes-benzportrait © designboom