In the short time that it’s been around, the new Mercedes A-Class has turned into one of Mercedes->ke187’ more popular models, so much so that a number of racing teams have begun the process of developing race cars->ke148 based on the compact hatchback->ke304.

One of these teams is Ciceley Racing and for the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, it’s going to field a heavily tuned A-Class that was designed and developed to be a true race car.

The exterior of the A-Class received a load of modifications, both in aesthetic and aerodynamic form. The predominantly blue color of the body is treated to a wide range of decals from sponsors and partners alike. Likewise, a slew of new components were added to the car to make it more performance ready when the BTCC season kicks off.

A new carbon-fiber front lip spoiler is clearly visible, as is a ventilated hood that allows for faster cooling of the engine and extended side skirts to keep the race car as close to the ground as it can be, even at high speeds. The rear wing at the back also helps in improving downforce, while the presence of a new rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system should give the A-Class smoother performance credentials.

Ciceley Racing’s Mercedes A-Class BTCC Race Car is scheduled to begin competition in March of next year in time for the opening of the 2014 BTCC season. Always good to know that racing teams are preparing this early for next year’s models; that’s a sign of a competitive team willing to put the time and effort to field a competitive car.

As expected, Ciceley Racing didn't release any of the A-Class racer's performance specs.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class that this racer is based on.

mercedes-benz-a-class-btcc-race-car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-benz-a-class-btcc-race-car

2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class BTCC Race Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class BTCC Race Car
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 253
  • Torque: 310
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The all-new Mercedes A-Class saw a huge bump in looks compared to its previous models. That’s a massive step up, thanks in large part to the automaker’s new design language, something the A-Class was given courtesy of a sportier and more emotive exterior and an exceptionally high-quality feel to the interior.

The engine lineup includes both gasoline and diesel versions, with power ranging from 109 horsepower to 211 horsepower. All engines are combined with ECO start/stop function as standard and are mated to the new six-speed manual transmission or, as an option, the 7G-DCT, dual-clutch automatic transmission.