Mercedes Details New GT Sports Car

The new AMG GT sports car due from Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit will directly compete with the iconic Porsche 911 when it goes on sale early next year.

Mercedes promises "a sports car in its purest form." The company has offered no sales targets, but it predicts 25% of the GTs will be sold in the U.S.

Mercedes-AMG GT

Two models were developed by Mercedes' AMG performance unit. The top-end GT S will debut first. It will be be propelled by an AMG-developed 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 rated at 503 hp. Mercedes promises zero-to-60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph.

The base GT, which won't arrive until 2016, will be fitted with an AMG-built bi-turbo V-8 that makes 456 hp. Both engines will deliver power to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The two-seat hatchback will be made almost entirely of aluminum, including the spaceframe. The front module is made of magnesium. Mercedes says the car will have a 47:53 front/rear weight distribution.

Mercedes did not announcing pricing. Media reports say the GT and GT S will retail for about $115,000 and $135,000, respectively.