Mercedes-Benz has announced the upcoming AMG GT will inaugurate a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that will generate 503 horsepower at 6,250 rpms and 479 lb-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 4,750 rpms in its initial state of tune.

Called M178 internally, the front-mid-mounted twin-turbo mill features a dry-sump lubrication system that lowers the center of gravity by eliminating the conventional oil pan, lightweight forged pistons and a patented Nanoslide coating on the cylinder walls that reduces friction losses. Power will be sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The engine will gradually replace the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that is currently found under the hood of numerous AMG-badged cars. Look for a detuned version of it to power both the upcoming C63 AMG and the AMG-massaged version of the next E-Class.

What we know so far

The Mercedes AMG GT is expected to debut at this October’s Paris Motor Show as a replacement for the current SLS. The GT will ride on a shortened version of the SLS AMG’s platform, although the latter car’s signature gullwing doors will be replaced with conventional units to improve structural rigidity and reduce mass – overall, the GT is expected to weigh in at around 1542 kg.

Mercedes has provided us with two interior photos of the upcoming supercar. The GT’s interior is an evolution of the SLS’, featuring the same wide dash and throw-back air vents. Mercedes says the center stack was designed to resemble a NACA scoop, and it has also cleverly arranged the controls for the car’s AMG Drive Unit to mimic the cylinder layout of a V8 engine.

On the styling front, expect the AMG GT to adopt softer lines than the SLS. The GT will also boast a silhouette that is more fastback than traditional coupe.Look for full details to about the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT to emerge in the weeks leading up to its debut in the French capital.