While electrification is edging into every part of the new-car market, some manufacturers are clinging on to internal combustion for as long as they can. Aston Martin, courtesy of its low-volume manufacturer status, is one such firm, and the luxury marque has just announced a brand-new petrol V12.
A new era
Aston Martin's latest engine is a ground-up overhaul of the existing V12 used in the DBS, and the company has optimised it in every area to boost both performance and efficiency. The headline figure for the twin-turbocharged unit is 835hp, while it's also rated to produces a huge 1,000Nm of torque.
To achieve these numbers, Aston Martin's engineers have produced a strengthened cylinder block and connecting rods, reprofiled the camshafts in new cylinder heads, redesigned the intake and exhaust ports, repositioned the spark plugs and fitted new higher-rate fuel injectors. The turbos have been reworked, too, with lower inertia and higher speeds that are designed to deliver faster response.
Aside from the headline power and torque figures, Aston Martin hasn't revealed any further details about the powertrain, so gearbox choice hasn't been confirmed, although a ZF-sourced eight-speed auto - as used by the current DBS - is a potential candidate. Economy and emissions figures are still to be confirmed, too, although these are unlikely to be of concern to most prospective buyers. What Aston Martin has told us is that the new V12 will be hand-built by technicians at its headquarters in the UK, and it will feature in the company's "most exclusive and limited availability models".
Speaking at the engine's unveiling, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli said: “The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess. With 835hp and 1,000Nm of torque this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”
Presentation
Aston Martin revealed the new V12 in a 30-second YouTube video, which was titled "All Will Be Vanquished". This gives a not-too-subtle indication that the unit will be used in a new GT car that revives the Vanquish nameplate.
This would be the third generation of Vanquish, after the original was made from 2001-2007, with the second built from 2012-2018. Both cars had V12 power, but another Vanquish, the mid-engined concept car shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, came with a V6, although Aston Martin has since shelved plans for this model.
We expect to see the all-new Vanquish later in 2024, when more information about its new V12 will be revealed, too.