Shanghai 11' Preview: Mercedes-Benz Concept A to Debut

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Here’s a preview of what we can expect from the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A in the form of the Concept A. The Concept A is going to debut at the first at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, followed by a US debut at the New York Auto Show that is also this month.

The Concept A shows that Mercedes plans on taking the next A-Class in a completely different direction than the current generation. The current A-Class has a one-box profile and was designed with a unique sandwich type platform, but the next A-Class will use a more conventional front-wheel-drive layout. The overall design of the concept is closer to the overall shape of the BMW 1 Series and VW Golf. The design of the Concept A obviously gets its styling cues from the F800 Style concept.

The Concept A is powered by a 210-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch transmission and puts the power to the ground via the front wheels.

The next-generation A-Class will go on sale in Europe in 2012, but it is still up in the air if it will ever be offered in the U.S.

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