The new Mercedes-AMG 4.0-litre V8 stands out for its sublime power delivery, the purposeful lightweight construction, as well as its high-efficiency and environmental compatibility. With peak power of up to 510bhp and maximum torque of up to 650Nm, the new AMG V8 delivers motorsport inspired performance.

The new AMG V8 engine has two turbochargers which are not mounted on the outside of the cylinder banks but rather inside the V configuration - what experts refer to as a 'hot inside V'. The benefits are a compact engine design, an optimum response and low exhaust gas emissions.

Dry sump lubrication allows the engine to be installed lower by 55mm, which moves the centre of gravity closer to the road and forms the basis for high lateral acceleration. This is ideal for a sports car with extremely high lateral dynamics.

In addition to improved agility, dry sump lubrication ensures direct oil extraction from the crankcases for optimal engine lubrication, even at high speeds on bends.

The M178 power unit (in-house designation) from AMG is thus the world's first sports car engine with 'hot inside V' and dry sump lubrication. With a dry weight of 209kg, the new AMG V8 is also the lightest engine in its competitive segment.

In terms of technology, the M178 is closely related to the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine in the A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG, which is currently the most powerful, series production four-cylinder engine in the world.

Both AMG engines have the same bore/stroke ratio, guaranteeing high-revving ability. The highly efficient and economical AMG 4.0-litre, V8 bi-turbo engine meets the Euro 6 emissions standard and the maximum particulate emissions level that takes effect in 2016.

The aluminium crankcase is produced using sand casting technology and features a closed deck design. This ensures extreme strength whilst keeping the weight as low as possible, and enables high injection pressures of up to 130bar.

The cylinder bore surfaces feature NANOSLIDE technology which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings. NANOSLIDE was developed by Daimler starting in the year 2000 and has so far been used in over 200,000 engines since 2006.

The cylinder heads in the AMG 4.0-litre, V8 bi-turbo engine are made of a zirconium alloy for maximum temperature resistance and thermal conductivity.