The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG 4Matic is the answer to the prayers uttered by those who were impressed by the brand’s foray into compact SUVs, but disappointed by the output of the standard GLA250.

Still powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this time built by the Mercedes-AMG tuning wizards in Affalterbach, it increases the AMG high-performance sport utility portfolio to four vehicles ranging from the GLA45 AMG, the ML63 AMG, the GL63 AMG and the big, brutish bruiser-boxed G63 AMG. With something for virtually every level of luxury goods buyer (providing you have the price of admittance) it’s an embarrassment of riches.

A lowered suspension and lots more to raise expectations

Riding 4.5-inches off the pavement doesn’t put this five-door hatchback in the running for the compact off-road vehicle of the year. Give that spot to the more pedestrian, but higher-riding GLA250, with its eight-inches of ground clearance over rocks and other rough terrain.

But this is clearly a case of less being more. What the GLA45 AMG lacks in clearance, it makes up in power and performance.

The GLA45 is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 355-horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 332 lb-ft of torque between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm. M-B claims it to be “the most powerful series-production” four-pot engine in the business. All GLA45s are available solely as 4Matic all-wheel-drive models and are mated to AMG’s Speedshift DCT seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a power take off unit with two piece propshaft (for safety) that can send up to fifty-percent of the power rearward, in an imperceptible fashion. An electrohydraulic multi-disc clutch resides in the rear differential that is able to detect front wheel slippage. It’s at this point that the clutch is pressed together, sending power to the rear.

Equipped with Race Start functionality, Daimler says it can launch the GLA45 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, but that’s not to say it samples its petrol in Super Big Gulp fashion, like its G63 big brother. Au contraire, this 3,428-pounder drinks to the tune of a preliminary 23 city / 29 highway with a 25 mpg average. (Assisted by an ECO Start/Stop function.)

An AMG sports exhaust system is included with a variable vane in the rear muffler. And if it’s not intoxicating enough, those with a thirst for extra aural excitement can order the available AMG Performance Exhaust system. More, more, more.

The baby G63 wanna-be rides on an AMG in-house-tuned sport suspension made up of a three-link anti-dive kit with coil springs and McPherson struts in front, along with a stabilizer bar. At the rear is a four-link anti-squat and dive suspension with coil springs and gas filled struts. Again, it is all tied together by a stabilizer bar. Steering is via an electrically-assisted and speed-dependent rack and pinion system.

For those measuring out their garage space, the GLA45 AMG 4Matic has a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and an overall length of 174.9 inches. Including mirrors, it is 79.6 inches wide. Cross-shoppers looking for high performance in other brands might be a bit disappointed because at this point there is no M-model of BMW’s X1 or a Range Rover Evoque Sport, for that matter.

Attitude-a-plenty

Just as the GLA adopts many of its design cues, including the “dropping lines” contours from the sedan-based CLA, the GLA45 swipes a little bit of swagger from the CLA45. Front and center, a single lamella bisects the grill area, and is capped off with the three-pointed star. Hunkered down about 3.5-inches over the height of the standard GLA250, our AMG tester was outfitted with an aerodynamics package ($1,950) that was complete with a large front splitter, apron canard and rear deck lid spoiler. Available 20-inch AMG black spoke wheels were included and finished off with red Mercedes-Benz AMG brake calipers. We liked this choice as it filled up the wheel wells nicely.

Interior decorating

Upgrading from the standard (on GLA250) MB-Tex seat covers, we do get the real thing with the AMG standard interior package. But the French-stitched faux material makes a good choice for the dashboard covering as seen in our tester. Deep contour bucket seats held us nicely in place during corner cutting activities in Backroad, Vermont, where we tested this hotrod. A leather and Alcantara wrapped steering wheel felt to us like a pair of Sparco driving mittens. Oh, and then there were the bright red seatbelts, which look like they might have been swiped directly from the “Fast and Furious” prop room.

Speaking of visual entertainment, our example was complete with Sirius XM satellite radio coming from a Harman/Kardon premium sound system and MB’s COMAND system with hard drive navigation and voice control, including 3-D mapping on a 7-inch high-resolution LCD screen. Pull over and you can watch DVD movies or let Gracenotes media database display titles, artists and album art of whatever you’re listening to now.

Wheel time

Great handling, with a satisfying soundtrack, was the order of the day behind the wheel of this pint-sized AMG. We were instantly smitten by the burbling exhaust note that swelled to a crescendo when smashing the throttle with our size twelves. Power came on suddenly, followed by the rapid rev-pause-pop that occurred every time the AMG Speedshift gearbox went to a steeper cog. Power was even more so with the use of the “momentary M mode,” which allowed us to grab the paddle shift levers to blip through the gears faster than the normal engine mapping would typically allow. Think of it like a blast of energy from one of the Mercedes AMG Formula1 car’s KERS unit.

Exceptional control, with the ability to save you from yourself, was available thanks to the AMG Speed Sensitive sport steering. The suspension helps to grip the road with no wallow by stiffer mounting parts, which displayed increased stability and poise around the turns. Owing to the ESP Curve Dynamic Assist system, which appears as standard, the GLA45 used brake-based torque vectoring to effectively shorten the length of the car as it encountered sharp turns on our drive route. The net effect was that of driving a really big go-kart.

The brakes offered exceptional grabiness, but not in a bad way. It just takes a few moments to acclimate with the potential that they are capable of. It was at that point that driver confidence is at an all-time high. The end game was a powertrain with fast shifts, rapid acceleration and stellar braking which is what you want from a semi-pocket rocket package like this.

Leftlane’s bottom line

Already an impressive package, Mercedes-Benz ups the ante by offering the GLA45 AMG 4Matic SUV. With a small, but potent, powerplant under the hood, the brand brings high performance to a segment not typically known for such. And it does come with a price, (See below) but oh how we want one.

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG 4Matic base price, $48.300. As tested, $64,725.

Black “red cut” leather interior, $1,500; Carbon Fiber trim, $950; Premium package, $2,300; Multimedia package, $2,480; Driver Assistance package, $2,500; AMG Night Styling package, $750; Aerodynamics package, $1,950; AMG Performance Exhaust, $450; Red brake calipers, $300; AMG Performance Steering Wheel, $500; Parktronic with park assist, $970; 20-inch AMG black alloy wheels, $850; destination fee, $925.

Photos by Mark Elias.

Toyota has introduced three new SEMA vehicles based on its trio of TRD Pro trucks, the 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra, rigged for the grueling Baja 1000.

The three have been outfitted as support vehicles for the Tundra TRD Pro Desert Race Truck that will compete in the 47th running of the spine-breaking off-road event. All three trucks have been outfitted with a suite of equipment to assist along the infamously tough course.

Light bars, winches, chase radios, and roof racks are all part of the package. In addition, the trucks will carry gear such as jacks, air compressors, extra fuel tanks, and spare wheels and tires. However, these will likely be some of the most luxurious support vehicles at the race as well, thanks to full leather interiors that are standard on production TRD Pro trucks.

Serving as team coach will be long-time Baja 500 and 1000 racer Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, whom you might remember immortalized in the popular 80s arcade game Super Off Road. Stewart is a two-time Baja 1000 champion (as well as 11-time Baja 500 winner), and has helped Toyota impressive tally of 303 off-road wins, 27 manufacturer’s championships and 28 off-road driver’s championships.

The trucks will be on display at the week-long SEMA Show on November 4-7. Just days after they roll out of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s floors, the TRD PRO trucks will head to Ensenada, Mexico to cover 1,130 miles of unpaved desert and mountain terrain.

Reports from the UK indicate that the next Nissan GT-R is likelier than ever to have hybrid power.

With the next-generation GT-R, internally referred to as the R36, debuting in 2018, AutoCar is reporting that Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura yet to start on the design, though the drivetrain is already under development. However, Nakamura hinted that the 2020 Vision Gran Turismo concept would “contribute to the overall feeling” of the R36 while the interior moves upscale. Nakamura also stated that it would keep its “boxy, functional appearance,” adding, “It shouldn’t be too elegant, and it should be brutal, with a rawness.”

While the front-engined, all-wheel-drive layout will be maintained, the rumored hybrid powertrain is looking a little more certain. According to Top Gear, Nissan Great Britain’s head of sports car development, James Oliver, has all but confirmed it. “I think [a GT-R hybrid] is the obvious direction,” Oliver said. “We already have the capability in terms of battery production and electric vehicle technology, so I don’t think it’s a great stretch to think a future performance product would have some of that tech incorporated into it.”

Without mentioning the competition directly, Oliver referenced the new generation of hybrid supercars like the LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1 that the GT-R is going up against. “The overall market is looking at different methods of powering cars, and at Nissan we’ve got great expertise and investment of electric,” said Oliver.

In any case, the purpose of the GT-R and is rank in the automotive kingdom is not lost on Oliver: “When the R35 launched in 2009 it was a massive leap forward, and we need to make sure when the next generation comes, it’s a similar leap forward. Not just the car itself, but the overall effect for Nissan.”

Chrysler’s Ram division has announced it will travel to next month’s SEMA show in Las Vegas to introduce two new concepts.
The first concept is called Ram 2500 Outdoorsman. Designed for those who like to venture far into the wilderness, the truck’s off-road capacity is increased by a Mopar lift kit, a winch, Blistein shocks all around and 35-inch BFGoodrich tires mounted on 17-inch bead-lock wheels.

The truck also gains a number of accessories including a roof rack, a tailgate that can be converted into a bench seat with room for two and a step that facilitates access to the bed. Blacked-out headlights and a Swamp Green Thing paint job with camouflaged accents wrap up the look.

Ram’s second concept is dubbed the ProMaster Hospitality Van. Aimed primarily at small businesses, it has been converted into a mobile lounge with counter displays, merchandise displays and cabinets. Ram has even fitted the van with a cooled compartment that makes it possible to serve ice cold beverages.

Visually, the ProMaster Hospitality Van gains a two-tone gloss black and blue paint job, 12-spoke alloy wheels and Mopar graphics all around. The sliding door on the driver’s side has been replaced by a large panel that swings up.

Stay tuned to Leftlane for live images of Ram’s latest concepts straight from the show floor in Sin City starting on November 4th.

A new report coming out of England finds Porsche is in the early stages of developing an electric sedan designed to go head-to-head against the Tesla Model S.
The yet-unnamed car will be closely related to the long-rumored Pajun that will slot beneath the Panamera. It will take the form of a mid-size hatchback whose design will be inspired by the Sport Turismo concept (pictured) that was presented to the public at the 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show.

Like the next Panamera, the sedan will ride on the next generation of Volkswagen’s MSB platform. It will weigh less than the 4,800-pound Model S thanks to lightweight materials like aluminum and hot-formed high-strength steel.

Porsche will shoot for best-in-class performance. The sedan will be powered by a brand new electric motor that will generate at least 416 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque in its most powerful state of tune. Both rear- and all-wheel drive will likely be offered, and a lithium-ion battery developed jointly with sister company Audi will provide the car with a maximum driving range of about 250 miles.

Porsche’s upcoming mid-sizer will also be available with gasoline- and diesel-burning engines to take on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5-Series and the Maserati Ghibli, though the electric model might get its own design.

A precise timeframe for when to expect the sedan is not known. Porsche initially hinted the car was on track for a 2017 launch, but an earlier report reveals it has been delayed until at least 2019 for reasons that remain murky.

Photos by Ronan Glon.

Toyota has unveiled three unlikely customizations for the upcoming SEMA aftermarket trade show in Las Vegas — a Dub Edition Yaris compact and Sienna minivan, and a Sienna:Remix mobile DJ station.

Toyota handed a 2015 Yaris over to Dub for the addition of widebody blister fenders that envelop black 20 x 10-inch Dropstars wheels. The dramatic look is reminiscent of a rally car, but unfortunately aside from a lowered suspension and upgraded brakes and despite the presence of a roll bar, there are no engine upgrades. Instead, it features a two-tone matte white and gloss black paint job and an eardrum-shattering stereo.

According to Dub cofounder Myles Kovacs, the “Dub look” is “all about a stance that’s wider, lower and sleeker.” The result is an American take on Japan’s VIP vanning culture featuring 22-inch TIS wheels. Like the Dub Yaris, the extreme rims are wrapped in 30-series Nitto tires. The interior has been reupholstered in diamond-stitched leather with a gallery of monitors grafted to each headrest. It’s filled to the gills with four subwoofers, 10 speakers and six amps.

West Coast Customs had their own take on a Sienna, in which an array of speakers — consisting of four subwoofers, sixteen 12-inch noisemakers and two 40-inch flat-panel monitors — rises from the roof at the push of a button. The mobile party center’s tailgate has also been modified, extending rearward to expose yet more speakers, to which a fully functional DJ stand can be linked.

Toyota says more show cars will be unveiled at the SEMA Show, which begins on November 4.

Honda is introducing the next generation of its driver-assist technology. The system combines new tricks with existing ones in a unified package called Honda Sensing, which will debut in the Japanese-market Honda Legend (called the Acura RLX in the US) before the end of the year.

Honda Sensing relies primarily on two inputs, a forward-facing monocular camera mounted between the windshield and the the rear-view mirror. A new millimeter-wave radar sits in the grille and works in conjunction with the camera. Not only does the system detect pedestrians in front of the car, but on the road’s sidelines as well. If the car detects that the driver is veering towards a bystander, the audio and visual warnings and will auto-correct the steering. Honda claims this is a world’s first on a production vehicle.

As expected, the system also includes lane keeping and lane departure mitigation warnings as well, and can apply corrective steering and braking in addition to warning beeps, lights and vibrations.

The system encompasses existing technologies as well, applying the brakes if a collision is impending, or if a “false start” is detected, in which the accelerator is pressed when an object is in front of the car. On the flip side, it will also alert the driver when the car in front has departed from a standstill. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow and traffic sign recognition are part of the package as well.

Honda Sensing was developed under new safety directives at the company, which has made what it calls a “collision-free society” a priority. After the Legend, the system will trickle down into other models.

Toyota is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the full-size Avalon by introducing a limited-edition model called XLE Touring Sport Edition.
Outside, the Touring Sport Edition stands out from a stock Avalon thanks to an Attitude Black paint job, automatic HID headlights as well as model-specific emblems on both front doors. The finishing touch is a set of machine-finished 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped by Michelin tires.

The interior has been spruced up with heated front seats upholstered in premium perforated leather with blue contrast stitching, dark blue trim on the dashboard and the center console, aluminum door sills and custom floor mats. The sedan comes standard with an eight-way power-adjustable front seat and a four-way passenger seat.

Toyota has not made any mechanical changes to the Avalon, meaning the Touring Sport Edition is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Avalon is capable of reaching 62 mph from a stop in a little over six seconds.

The 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring Sport Edition is scheduled to go on sale next week with a base price of $37,170. Toyota is planning on building just 2,500 examples of the cars between the end of the month and March of 2015.

German coachbuilder Binz has introduced a long-wheelbase variant of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class that is fitted with six doors.
Starting with a stock w212 E-Class, Binz has increased the wheelbase by over 43 inches, bringing the car’s total length to 252 inches. To put that figure into perspective, a long-wheelbase S-Class stretches 206 inches from bumper to bumper.

Weight is kept in check thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials. Binz claims the conversion adds about 500 pounds to the curb weight of an E-Class and the effect it has on gas mileage is marginal at best.

Inside, the stretched E-Class can be configured to offer space for either six or eight passengers on three separate rows of seats. Consoles can be installed in between the seats for added comfort and buyers can deck out their limousine by picking form a long list of options that includes a drink cooler, multi-zone climate control and a wireless router.

The stretched E can be ordered in E200, E350 4Matic, E500 and E250 CDI forms. Performance specifications were not released.

The Binz-built Mercedes-Benz E-Class is on sale now across Germany but pricing information has not been published yet. The car will be offered to buyers in a number of global markets but Binz is not currently planning on selling it in the United States.