Mercedes-Benz A-Class breaks down at debut, pushed on stage by execs

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept Shanghai Fail – Click above for high-res image

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Concept A appears to be, quite literally, all show and no go. At its big debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, the car eschewed its 200-horsepower BlueEfficiency powerplant in favor of a four-suitpower unit, courtesy of Mercedes brass. After a star-studded introduction, including a version of Janis Joplin's "Mercedes-Benz" by rapper David Banner and English pop singers Estelle and Daley, the car broke down before hitting the stage.

That made for a seriously awkward few seconds, as four Mercedes execs, dressed to the nines in designer suits, had to push the car onto the stage. That embarrassing spectacle put a bit of a damper on the hype surrounding the highly-anticipated premium compact.

The 2011 Concept A is likely to donate around 85 percent of its styling to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is slated to debut next year. There's even talk of a 350-horsepower AMG version sometime thereafter. We have to admit we're excited to meet the all-new A-Class, but that's based on the assumption that it will move under its own power. Top tip, Pieter!


[Source: CDNLive | Image: Eric Gallina]

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