Meant to make it’s debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show, there seems to be a sneak peak of the Mercedes-Benz CLA emerging on the interwebs, this time clad in something more classy than it’s initial camouflage, allowing for a better view of what it should look like for something that will be equipped with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with fully variable torque distribution. peek
The Mercedes-Benz CLA for next year boasts of high tractive power reserves, outstanding agility that’s accompanied by optimum driving safety and energy efficiency – so says Mercedes-Benz.
The new upcoming CLA is based on front-wheel-drive architecture with a transversely mounted engine and the new 4MATIC will most likely provide for better driving enjoyment; particularly for a certain CLA 45 AMG which will also make the curtain call in 2013.
The most innovative components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle which is integrated in the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disk clutch.
Such a set-up is capable of a fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axle while weighing significantly less with higher efficiency; indicative of something that’s of an entirely new development all together.
The newly designed 4MATIC will come in the form of a 7G-DCT – 7-Speed automatic dual-clutch transmission that’s been fully integrated with a compact power take-off unit (PTU), allowing for lubrication to be shared between the two components while realizing a 25% weight reduction when compared to a more ordinary design.
The electro-hydraulically actuated multi-disk clutch integrated in the rear-axle gear unit is what provides for a fully variable torque distribution, where the vehicle can be driven almost exclusively by either the front or rear axle, shifting torque between the two axles according to situational needs – hence, torque on demand.
Mercedes has managed to get reaction times of the supplying torque to the axles down to milliseconds, activated automatically by an ESP-controlled proportioning valve as soon as only minimal speed differences apply between the front and rear axle.
The 4MATIC has been programmed to activated minimally, running almost predominantly in front-wheel-drive mode for greater efficiency and when required, only will it direct torque to the rear to help quell any undesired understeer or oversteer, while providing optimum energy efficiency coupled with maximum driving dynamics and driving safety.
The CLA also comes equipped with three driving modes of ECO, SPORT and MANUAL, where ECO mode runs with less torque channelled to the rear axle for a smoother and gentler ride at lower revs. In SPORT or MANUAL modes, torque distribution is hastened with more of it being received at the rear for a more dynamic, sporty driving style.
The CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and the newly developed 4MATIC. The technical highlights include numerous driving assistance systems, such as advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.
As the high-powered top model of the new compact class, the CLA 45 AMG broadens the portfolio of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand to offer a fascinating high-performance vehicle in this class, too. The newly developed AMG 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine will set new standards in its engine capacity segment: with maximum torque of over 400Nm and low fuel consumption, AMG is aiming to lead the competition. In conjunction with the specially adapted 4MATIC version for this engine-power class, the CLA 45 AMG will be one of the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder coupes around.
