Aston Martin will debut a new twin-turbo V12 engine

Aston Martin has always been known for its large petrol engines, with which its coupés and saloons have enjoyed truly remarkable performance.

However, in recent years its range has fallen somewhat behind, reaching sales levels well short of its targets. Now, Aston Martin presents its new engine, with which it returns to the era of forced induction.

Currently, the English sports car maker’s range consists of four models, each with its corresponding variants. The entry point to the Aston Martin range has for years been the Vantage in its V8 version. This chassis, one of the most acclaimed in its segment, is available with either a V8 or a V12 engine.

In addition, there is the long-running DB9, as well as the Rapide S and Vanquish, all with V12 engines only. Therefore, only two engines are available, both petrol, of course. The smaller one is a 4.7 V8, originally derived from the 4.2 V8 that Jaguar once used. Naturally aspirated, it produces 426 CV.

The larger powerplant is a 6.0 V12, also naturally aspirated, available in the DB9 with 510 CV, in the Rapide S with 550 CV, in the V12 Vantage S with 565 CV, and in the Vanquish with 570 CV. Although, at first glance, it seems a relatively broad range, sales figures speak against it, leaving the brand far behind rival manufacturers.

To correct its course, a few months ago Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG signed a collaboration agreement, whereby the German brand would support it by supplying technology, engines and transmissions for the brand’s new models. Everyone assumed the first fruits of this collaboration would appear in the new DB11, the model Aston Martin is finishing developing as the successor to the DB9.

The new 5.2 V12 maintains a sound level with “English pedigree”

However, it seems this will not be the case, since Aston Martin has released a short video teasing the arrival of a new engine, apparently developed by the English, with which the brand once again moves to forced induction. There was speculation about the use of Mercedes’s 6.0 V12 Biturbo, but the new engine will be a 5.2 V12, also with twin forced induction.

Little is yet known about the specifications of this new powerplant, but considering that the most powerful variant of the current 6.0 V12 produces 570 CV, it is more than possible that this new 5.2 could easily exceed 600 CV, with peak torque of around 800 NM.

Although the purists will once again throw their hands up in horror at the introduction of forced induction in Aston Martin’s engines, this measure is a logical step to comply both with restrictive anti-pollution regulations and with customer demands, who increasingly seek better performance and lower consumption.

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Source | Aston Martin