What's the news?

Mercedes has got us drooling by giving us more details on the M178. This prosaic engine code translates into English as a 510hp, 650Nm, twin-turbo V8 of 4.0-litre capacity and it will power the forthcoming Mercedes-AMG GT.

This 90-degree V8 has its two turbochargers mounted inside the cylinder banks, known as a 'hot inside V'. It allows for a compact unit, quicker throttle response due to less lag and low exhaust emissions. Merc has decided to dry-sump this beast, allowing for a lower installation and therefore a centre-of-gravity that's much closer to the deck.

It makes peak power at 6,250rpm and the colossal torque spread across 1,750- to 4,750rpm, while its all-in dry weight of 209kg makes it the lightest engine in its segment. Mercedes-AMG says it is part of the BlueDirect engine family and that it will have an 'unmistakeable AMG V8 sound', which is surely the most important fact of all, with a sports exhaust system fitted with variable flaps providing extra musical delights. The V8 is closely related to the 2.0-litre four-pot found in the 45-badged AMG models and has been developed entirely in-house by AMG.

There's all manner of fabulous petrolheady stuff within that we could go into in great detail - such as Nanoslide technology, 'spectacle honing', an aluminium crankcase, zirconium alloy cylinder heads and more - but suffice it to say, we are hugely excited by both the engine and the entire car, which promises to be epic.

Anything else?

Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: "V8 engines are an integral part of the AMG philosophy and the brand's commitment to 'Driving Performance'. The V8 biturbo engine for our new GT is going to delight our customers."