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Mercedes teases its all-new AMG GT supercar again by unveiling its space-age, hand-built V8

Andrew Hard
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Like a torturing puzzle game, Mercedes’ is slowly unveiling the new AMG GT piece by piece.

The German car manufacturer officially revealed the 4.0-liter, biturbo V8 that will power the AMG GT today, and it’s a stunner. The biturbo stays true to AMG’s “One Man, One Engine” principle, so each powerplant will be assembled by a single technician at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany.

The V8, codenamed M178 in house, will deliver 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque to the GT’s rear wheels, which should be good for a 0 to 60 mph time less than the preceding SLS AMG’s 3.2 seconds. The new car has less power than the SLS’ 583 hp, but the new GT was designed to be a “true lightweight,” so its power-to-weight ratio should make up for it.

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Furthermore, the reduced weight should allow the GT to have more authority in the corners than its tail-happy, rough-around-the-edges older brother.

As you can see from the power curve, the biturbo’s 479 lb/ft peaks at around 1,750 rpm, and stays steady until 4,750 rpm. Then the turbocharged top end takes over, rocketing toward 503 hp at 6,250 rpm.

M178 Power Curve
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The impressive power delivery is rooted in the twin-turbo V8’s space age construction.

The sand-cast aluminum-block engine has lightweight, forged pistons that float in a “nanoslide coating” that reduces friction energy losses. The keep the M178 compact and low, the engine has an oil pan-less dry-sump lubrication system and internally mounted turbochargers that can push boost pressures of 33 psi.

As far as the exterior goes, we know the GT coupe will have similar gullwing doors to the SLS and a long, pronounced hood, but these camouflaged shots are the best we have. Still, it looks to be a stunner, and the GT’s aviation-themed interior proves that its good looks won’t stop at the doorjambs.

The AMG GT be fully revealed online September 9th, with its first public appearance coming in October at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

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Andrew Hard
Andrew Hard
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…
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