The British luxury automaker Aston Martin is renowned for its timeless elegance combined with powerful engineering. And guess what? Aston Martin's commitment to serving real driving enthusiasts is becoming even more evident as they refuse to give up on their famed V8 and V12 engines.
May 28, 2024 at 10:10
Aston Martin Accelerating Forward:
- Nothing can replicate the feel of V8 and V12 engines.
- Upgraded twin-turbo V12 being developed for the DBS successor.
- Scrapped a V6 engine program last year.
Aston Martin is not just holding onto its big-capacity engines for nostalgia; it’s genuinely responding to its clientele's desires. The refreshed Vantage, for instance, now oozes even more power with an additional 153 hp from its Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. But if that's not enough to get your pulse racing, the upcoming twin-turbo V12 set to debut in the new Vanquish replaces the DBS, and it promises a heart-thumping 824 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.
Read More: Aston Martin Cancels Plans For Mid-Engined Vanquish
This commitment to high-octane engineering comes after Aston Martin initially planned to develop a potent V6 to replace their V8 engines. However, the V6 project was halted last year. In a revealing interview, Aston Martin’s product and market strategy boss, Alex Long, made it clear that V6 engines simply don't deliver the emotional connection that enthusiasts crave from their V8 and V12 counterparts.
“It's not just about going as fast as I can,” Long stated. “I want some emotion on the way, some real sound and rumble, and I want to proudly declare it's a V8 or a V12 because these engines have always been reserved for very special and interesting products, unlike V6s which don’t carry the same prestige in the premium segment.”
According to Long, the resurgence of the V8 since the COVID-19 pandemic signals a powerful shift in customer preferences. Many Aston Martin aficionados own an electric vehicle for their daily commutes but seek the raw, visceral driving experience that only a V8 or V12 can provide, especially on those weekend joyrides.
“These cars don't rack up high mileages; they're rarely the sole vehicle in a household,” Long explained. “Numerous Aston customers have an electric car for everyday driving, but they crave that sound, vibration, and pure energy from a V8 supercar.”
Interestingly, Aston Martin isn’t alone in this belief. Reports indicate that Mercedes-AMG is also leaning into the return of the rich sound and character of larger engines. The new CLE 63 Coupe and Convertible will reportedly forgo the initially planned 2.0-liter hybridized four-cylinder for the legendary 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
