Mighty V12 lives on at Aston Martin
BY COBEY BARTELS | 6th May 2024
ASTON Martin has lifted the covers on its next-generation V12 engine, continuing a 25-year tradition of 12-cylinder flagships, likely destined for the new Vanquish due later this year.
While Aston Martin has not officially confirmed the new engine will find its way into the bay of the next generation Vanquish, the firm said, rather cryptically, that “all will be vanquished”.
The outgoing DBS, set to be replaced in late 2024 by an all-new Vanquish, packs a V12 that develops a mighty 533kW and 900Nm but the new engine ups the ante significantly.
Aston Martin says it has managed to squeeze 614kW and 1000Nm out of its new V12, after completely redesigning the old 5.2-litre unit from the block up. While displacement is yet to be confirmed, it sounds as though Aston Martin has stuck with the same bore and stroke.
Improvements include a strengthened cylinder block and conrods, redesigned cylinder heads, reprofiled camshafts and new intake and exhaust ports.
Aston Martin also repositioned the spark plugs and fitted higher flow-rate injectors to improve both performance and economy through better combustion.
Rounding out the changes are two higher speed, reduced inertia turbochargers delivering more compressed air, faster, for better throttle response and those stratospheric power outputs.
The resulting engine – as is to be expected from Aston Martin – will be a visual and aural masterpiece if the promotional video is anything to go by.
Aston Martin describes itself as a “defiant defender of emotional engagement”, saying that the new V12 promises “visceral performance for those who understand the direct route to a heart-pounding drive”.
“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 835PS and 1000Nm of torque this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”
With gargantuan power outputs and a focus on visceral excitement, the new V12 will provide a befitting heart and soul for the return of the Vanquish – which in spied shots looks as menacing as this engine suggests it might be.
Beyond its assumed use in the new Vanquish, Aston Martin says the hand-crafted V12 will be produced in limited numbers for use in its “most exclusive and limited availability models”.
