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.

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

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