New V12 Engine Coming to Aston Martin—Was It All Done In-House?
Shortly after Aston Martin said it will push back its coming EV models, it announced a powerful gasoline-fed V12.
The new 12-cylinder gets a strengthened block and connecting rods, redesigned cylinder heads with re-profiled camshafts, and new intake and exhaust ports.
Today’s announcement of a new non-hybrid, non-EV V12 bodes well for fans of burbling exhaust and torque-happy corner exits.
More power!
Aston Martin has announced “a fearsome new V12” that will power an as-yet-unnamed new flagship model coming later this year.
The new 12-cylinder gets a strengthened block and connecting rods, redesigned cylinder heads with re-profiled camshafts, and new intake and exhaust ports. Further optimizing combustion are repositioned spark plugs and new higher flow-rate fuel injectors “to deliver optimized combustion.” Higher speed, reduced-inertia turbochargers also deliver increased performance and throttle response, Aston says.
Aston Martin did not say whether the powerplant shares anything with a previous V12 from AMG. We asked both Aston Martin and AMG if they collaborated on the new V12, or if Aston Martin developed it entirely in-house, but neither company would say.
AMG was the source of Aston Martin drivetrains after an engine deal was signed between the two power (and torque) brokers in 2013. The first Aston Martin to get AMG power was the 2018 DB11. The current AMG M279 V12 has been in production since 1999 and still powers the Maybach S 680.
V12 engines of varying designs and displacements have been under the hoods of numerous Aston Martins past, from the 5.2-liter V12 in the DB11 to the 7.3-liter Cosworth in the One-77.
“The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess,” said Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli. “With 835 PS and 1000 Nm of torque (824 hp and 738 lb-ft), this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”
The British automaker is optimistic about the new powerplant.
“Aston Martin has committed to continuing its 25-year bloodline of V12-engined flagships with a technical masterpiece and a true leader in its class,” the company said. “A showcase for exceptional in-house engineering ability, it is a defiant defender of emotional engagement, promising visceral performance for those who understand the direct route to a heart-pounding drive.”
It calls the engine “a complete redesign” and promises that it “refines every stage of the internal-combustion process to achieve unprecedented performance and efficiency.”
Aston has already partnered with Lucid Motors for drivetrains in future electric vehicles but said in February that it pushed back the launch of its first electric car by a year, until 2026.
Last year the automaker said it would launch four all-electric cars in four years starting in 2025 using Lucid Motors’ highly efficient electric powertrains.
Then Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll said in February there was more demand for hybrids, especially in the exclusive segment where Aston operates.
“People want some electrification… but to still have the sports car smell and feel and noise,” Stroll said.
The Valhalla, a hybrid supercar, should enter the market this year.
Today’s announcement of a new non-hybrid, non-EV V12 bodes well for fans of burbling exhaust and torque-happy corner exits.
V12 availability won’t be limited to just one model, either. After its debut in the new flagship model later this year, the new V12 “will feature across Aston Martin’s most exclusive and limited-availability models,” Aston said.
“(It) is a bold statement of luxurious sporting intent and, as such, it will be handcrafted, year by year, in strictly limited numbers.”
Citing a previous Aston Martin model, the carmaker then went on to warn competitors, “All will be vanquished.”
How do you see Aston Martin managing this development of both EVs and V12 supercars at the same time? Please comment below.
