We’ve witnessed the Mercedes-AMG A45 S from numerous diverse opponents on the drag strip. At times it wins, and from time to time it does not. But today’s race featuring the extremely-sizzling hatch has a a little bit diverse intent – to demonstrate what a uncomplicated Ecu remap can do to an previously incredibly able device.

Carwow took a yellow A45 S and place it future to a tuned CLA 45 S. The latter has a new engine command software and pushes out – behold! – 490 horsepower (365 kilowatts) and 487 pound-ft (660 Newton-meters) of torque. And sure, there are no hardware modifications to the tiny 2.-liter 4-banger less than the hood. 

On paper, this probably appears to be like like a squander of time. In stock sort, the A45 S has 421 hp (314 kW) and 367 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, properly under the numbers of the tuned CLA. But then, the track is moist and power is of course not every little thing. Traction is the key phrase here and it decides the standing-commence drag race.

With so considerably further power and an indecisive transmission, the remapped CLA struggles to channel its power to the street. In the first race, the A45 S takes a relaxed gain thanks to its superior traction. In the next operate, we have the identical winner, nevertheless this time all around it’s a photograph finish.

Even so, the upgraded CLA exhibits its whole probable in the rolling race exactly where it annihilates the yellow sizzling hatch. And if you want our two cents, this is the much more crucial duel here as it exhibits that a set of superior tires and nicer climate could do miracles with the effectiveness sedan from Stuttgart. Just don’t drag race it when it rains.