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The A45S isn’t your average hot hatch—it’s a fire-breathing, four-cylinder monster with more tech and torque than most sports cars twice its size. AMG packed it with clever engineering and raw pace, but if you’re the kind of driver who thinks "fast enough" is just a suggestion, then there’s still plenty of room to play.
This particular A45S rolled into the Xatrix workshop with a few choice upgrades already under its belt. But the owner was looking to take it a step further—specifically, to unleash a more aggressive sound and unlock better breathing from the engine. The solution? A beautifully engineered Akrapovič downpipe, installed with precision and purpose.
When it comes to high-end exhaust engineering, few names carry the same weight as Akrapovič. Built from premium stainless steel with precise TIG welds and a high-flow design, this downpipe was the perfect match for the A45S’s tightly-packed turbo setup.
Removing the restrictive factory catalytic section, the Akrapovič downpipe allows exhaust gases to exit more freely—reducing backpressure, improving turbo spool, and unlocking a sharper, more urgent throttle response. You won’t just feel the difference; you’ll hear it too. The turbo whistles louder, the engine breathes deeper, and that AMG bark becomes just a little more feral.
It’s not just about raw sound or numbers either. What makes this upgrade special is the balance: more flow without drone, and a tone that matches the A45S’s aggressive personality without becoming obnoxious. It was the perfect next step in an already well-built setup—bringing the car’s sound and performance in line with its sharp looks and serious potential.
This car didn’t show up to the shop empty-handed. It had already undergone a thoughtful set of modifications designed to balance performance, aesthetics, and daily comfort. Let’s run through what was already in place:
The crown jewel of the engine bay. Eventuri’s A45S system replaces the entire factory airbox with a carbon fibre housing, venturi-stack cone filter, and sealed ducting for cooler, more consistent airflow. The result? Improved throttle response, better top-end breathing, and a dramatic intake sound under load. It’s one of the best-engineered systems on the market—functionally beautiful.
The Maxton Design kit gives the A45S a sharper visual edge—front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler—all finished in gloss black to complement the car’s aggressive factory styling. It’s a popular choice for owners who want a more purposeful stance without diving into full custom aero.
While it won’t be adding measurable downforce (aside from the spoiler’s modest effect), it delivers that lowered, wider look many hot hatch fans are after. And thanks to its direct-fit design, installation is straightforward—no fuss, no fabrication, just a clean OEM+ appearance that ties the whole build together.
At first glance, the drop looked great—lower, leaner, and more aggressive. The springs brought the A45S closer to the tarmac, giving it a sharper visual edge and a firmer stance in the corners. But as always, real-world driving tells the full story.
While the setup did offer tighter handling, the ride height turned out to be a bit too aggressive for everyday use. The owner has since decided to return to the factory springs for a more practical balance between comfort and performance—proof that sometimes, OEM really does get the ride height just right for daily life.
This A45S is a perfect example of how to mod smart. It’s not a full-blown race car conversion—it’s a fast, functional, and cleanly executed street weapon that retains all the best parts of the OEM experience while dialling everything up just a little louder, lower, and sharper.
With the Eventuri intake drawing in cold air up front, the Akrapovič downpipe freeing up exhaust flow out back, and the Maxton kit tying it all together visually, this is a car that’s been upgraded with purpose—not just parts.
It’s one of those builds that turns heads without trying too hard, and it feels as good on the road as it looks in the photos. Job well done.
Got something special in your garage? Whether it’s an OEM+ daily or a fully built street weapon, we want to hear your story.
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