Mercedes ->ke187 will prove its racing capabilities once again with the unveiling of a new CLA ->ke3130 45 AMG Racing Series at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235. After its debut, the model will enter various international race series, such as national brand-specific trophies or the German VLN series.

Based on the standard CLA 45 AMG , the the Racing Series adds an aerodynamic package made in carbon fiber, a racing-prepared interior, and updated suspension and braking systems.

Just like with the SLS AMG GT3, the new CLA 45 AMG Racing Series was developed in cooperation with HWA AG, which was responsible for the development and race appearances of the AMG-Mercedes DTM cars.

"The CLA 45 AMG Racing Series demonstrates our desire to further increase our commitment to customer motorsport. We are also seeking to offer interested customer teams a competitive, near-standard racing car with an excellent level of safety in the popular four-cylinder segment."

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 360 @ 6000
  • Torque: 331 @ 2250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Based on the production-version CLA 45 AMG, the new Racing Series features an extravagant aerodynamic kit made in carbon fiber. This kit includes a new front and rear apron, flared wings and side sill panels, a front apron with a front splitter, a new rear diffuser with three fins, and an adjustable rear aerofoil. For improved stability at high speeds, the CLA 45 AMG Racing Series also offers a carbon-fiber wing.

Being a racecar, it requires improved cooling of the rear brakes, and this is all taken care of, thanks to new air intakes in the side sill panels. Mercedes increased the downforce by adding wheel-arch vents in the wings, and the bonnet and boot lid are fitted with quick-release catches for fast opening and closing.

Interior

The interior is specially developed for a racecar, as the CLA 45 AMG Racing Series features a roll cage made in high-strength steel, a carbon-fiber P 1300 GT racing bucket seat from Recaro and an integrated fire-extinguishing system.

For the cockpit, AMG installed a specially developed instrument cluster that displays details on the road speed, engine speed and the operating temperatures of the engine and transmission. This gives the driver a clear view of the important information without distracting him.

Rounding out the interior mods is a racing steering wheel with shift paddles, a center console with a central switch for the on-board electronics, and switches for the hazard warning system and fire extinguishing system.

Drivetrain

Under its hood, the new CLA 45 AMG Racing Series keeps the same engine found in the production version: an AMG-built 2.0-liter turbo engine. In the production model, this engine churns out 360 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, and mates to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission. This driveline sprints the production version to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph. Mercedes said that the car's specifications could vary according to the race rules and race series, so the exact performance and output specs on this racer depend on what level the buyer plans to race it in.

Suspension and Brakes

For the new CLA 45 AMG Racing Series Mercedes also developed a special racing suspension with adjustable ride height, spring rate and damper characteristics. The car sits on AMG light-alloy wheels in a cross-spoke design, and the wheels are wrapped in Dunlop racing tires sized 265-660-18. The wheels and suspension team up with an electro-mechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system to help[ guide the racer trough the twist.

Doing the tedious task of slowing this racecar is an AMG high-performance braking system with ventilated discs all round.

Prices

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3

Based on the road-going version of the V12 Vantage, the new GT3 version made its racing debut at the ADAC Westfalenfahrt four-hour race (VLN1) on March 23rd. It is powered by a modified version of the 6-liter V-12 engine capable of delivering 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, but due to race regulations the output is restricted to to approximately 550 horsepower.

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2013 Audi R8 LMS Ultra

Mercedes will have to face strong competition at the upcoming VLN series from a number of models, including the Audi R8 LMS Ultra. This model is powered by a 5.2-liter V-10 engine that delivers a total of 570 horsepower and can hit a top speed of 195 mph.

The model can be ordered at a price of €339,000 (about $440,000 at the current exchange rates).

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Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Racing Series is the second racing model offered by Mercedes, and the company hopes it will enjoy the same success as the SLS AMG GT3.