Last month we brought you the first details on the Genty Akylone, an ambitious supercar project from a French startup, whose stated goal is to build a vehicle with one of the highest--for a production car--power-to-weight ratios on the planet. Previously, all we said about its engine was that it would be a twin-turbocharged V-8 rated at more than 1,000 horsepower and 940 pound-feet of torque. Now, Genty has released the first specs on its mighty new powerplant, and there are certainly a few surprises worth mentioning.

Instead of simply sourcing an existing engine from a supplier, like so many other supercar startups do, Genty is developing its own bespoke V-8. The new unit will be a 4.8-liter 90-degree V-8 with a four valve per cylinder, DOHC design. The addition of two turbochargers, as well as direction injection technology, will help Genty meet its previously revealed performance targets.

The architecture of this engine is the result of a completely new development that aims to combine high performance with reliability and extreme power with lightness. Importantly, a number of measures, such as the aforementioned direct fuel injection, will help the engine still meet Euro 6 emissions standard despite being one of the most powerful production engines ever offered.

With a stroke-to-bore ratio of less than 1, the engine should also be able to rev up to 8,000 rpm and beyond. The compression ratio, meanwhile, is expected to be a relatively mild 9:1. Other details include a mid-engine position for the powerplant, as well as dry sump lubrication and a sequential seven-speed transmission with paddle shifters helping to send drive to the rear wheels.

Helping develop the engine for Genty is renowned race engine designer Reinhard Könneker, a German engineer who worked with Porsche during the 1970s to help develop its 908 and 917 Le Mans winners, as well as the Formula One turbo engines of the late ‘80s. Over the years he’s also had stints at BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

With a projected curb weight of just 2,425 pounds, plus this advanced V-8 putting down the power, we just hope the project doesn't turn out to be one big tease.

Production of the Akylone is scheduled to take place in St Pourcain sur Sioule, France, the hometown of Genty founder Frederic Genty. Only 15 examples will be built and the first one should be ready for display at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

For more details on the Genty Akylone, click here for our previous post.

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