Aston Martin to get twin-turbo V8s from Mercedes-Benz

By Nick Jaynes September 17, 2013

aston martin trademarks db10 through db14 names db9 cropped — The next DB9 will be powered by a Mercedes-Benz twin-turbo V8. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Presently, the best Aston Martins are powered by uproarious V12s. This, sadly, cannot be sustained for much longer, as fuel-efficiency requirements increase globally. This doesn’t mean, however, the British brand wants to lose any of its legendary levels of power output.

Accordingly, Aston must downsize and add forced induction to its engines keep power high but fuel consumption low. But where on earth will it find the time or money to develop such engines? Delightfully, it won’t. No, Aston Martins will – within the next three to four years – be powered by twin-turbo Mercedes-Benz V8s.

That’s right. According to Auto Express, Mercedes will be selling turbo V8s, transmissions, and electrical bits, which will be fitted to the DB9 and V8 Vantage.

Aston Martin V12 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Intriguingly, however, news has come from Car Scoops that the S63 could be the very last of Mercedes-Benz models to be powered by the twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8.

Coincidence? We think not.

If speculation is on the money, Mercedes could replace the 5.5 with a 4.0-liter V8 based upon the 2.0-liter turbo found under the hood of the forthcoming CLA. That would leave Mercedes to keep its twin-turbo V8s both exclusive and profitable. It would keep the latest designs for its own products but sell the aging 5.5 to Aston.

We will certainly miss the sounds of the V12 Astons, even if they do sound like a tin can full of ball bearings in a paint mixer. To us, they represent a golden area in naturally aspirated motoring. Don’t get us wrong, we love twin turbo V8s but there’s just something about a V12 that makes you feel proud to be a part of the problem and not the solution.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.