Mercedes CLA 45 AMG leaked

It appears not even the Internet and its many battalions of keyboard warriors can keep the new Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG from bursting through the screen. Because there it is, up above.

It's been leaked on the web ahead of an official debut at next week's New York Motor Show, revealing for the very first time the looks of Merc's fighty little baby saloon.

Looks good, doesn't it? That aggressive front spoiler, the creases in the bonnet a-la SLS, the huge alloys and the black accents all give an indication as to which part of Affalterbach this car originates from. No more information has been given, but we do know the CLA 45 AMG - along with the A 45 AMG - will use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot petrol engine and four-wheel-drive.

That's right, a turbo and four-wheel-drive in an AMG. But breathe easy: this being AMG means it's hugely powerful. That engine happens to be the most powerful production four-cylinder turbo in the world, and as such, both cars pack 360bhp and 331lb ft of torque.

The A 45 AMG hits 62mph from rest in just 4.6 seconds, so we've no reason to believe the CLA 45 AMG will be any slower; both cars sit on the same platform. Should sound epic, too.

Have a scope of that picture for now, and stay tuned to TopGear.com for more information as soon as this CLA is properly unveiled. What's the first impression, assembled readers?

Click here for Top Gear's pics of the new A 45 AMG