As you may know, since we have mentioned it here every other week for the past few months, AMG is developing a proper sports car to rival the Porsche 911. The car is internally called the C190, and is rumored to get the ‘AMG GT’ moniker when it comes out, although earlier reports also suggested SLC. Now as we get closer to the car’s possible launch at New York Auto Show, AMG boss Tobias Moers sheds some light on the details.

Moers confirms that Mercedes AMG GT is not a replacement for the SLS, as that chapter is now closed and they have no plans to launch another super car any time soon. The GT is smaller, more efficient, and more nimble sports car, boasting a brand-new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine that will power most of AMG’s range in the future.

AMG’s top dog knows that the public loves their big, naturally-aspirated V8 motors, but admits that due to fuel consumption and emissions standards, they have to resort to downsizing and turbocharging. But he promises the new 4.0 liter unit is going to be as responsive and as smooth as the old 6.2 while delivering excellent economy. The engine also has a lot of potential for tuning, which is a good thing because AMG has plans to launch many different variants of the AMG GT, including a Black Series version.

What Mercedes AMG GT will not be getting include manual gearbox and all-wheel-drive. The car will come strictly as a rear-drive, front-engine sports car with a dual-clutch transmission. They have also put a lot effort into making the car handle, looking at everything from Porsches, to the new Corvette, even the upcoming Honda NSX.

Via TopGear