Aston Martin replaces AMG V8 engine with hybrid V6

KUALA LUMPUR: To comply with pollution emission standards, the British automaker, Aston Martin, has decided to abandon the V8 AMG engine, which has taken place under the hood of its product range. The Daimler powerplant will be replaced in Vantage, entry-level DB11, and the upcoming DBX SUV. Now the question comes, which engine will take its place. Well, the firm is creating its own hybrid 3.0-litre V-6.

In a recent interview with Autocar UK, CEO Andy Palmer said, “Mercedes have made no secret of where their engine technology is moving to, and obviously we don’t foresee four-cylinder engines in our Astons. So we’ve got to make our own journey.”

The firm recently displayed the new powerplant in its application for the forthcoming Valhalla. Although it would be most powerful yet when configures with the Valhalla but, it needs to be reconfigured and retuned for other models. Though Aston is making straight-six engines for a long time, it has no history of producing V6. 

For this, Palmer assures that Aston V6 will deliver a brand-appropriate experience. "The key is sound, tuning the pipes to make it sound like an Aston," he said. "Obviously we can use the hybrid system and the electric motor to fill in on torque so you can compensate for the cylinder size with the electrical assist. As long as it feels like a V-8 and sounds majestic, I think it's a perfectly sensible way to go, and a lot more sensible than a [inline> four would be for us," he added.

Talking of the Valhalla hybrid V6 mechanical numbers, it produces almost 1,000 PS of power. However, this much output is not expected in other vehicles like DBX or Vantage. The Valhalla supercar is slated for debut in 2022 and will be the first one to house hybrid V6. 

The firm is also in the limelight these days, as it cracked a deal with Lawerence Stroll, its new investor. And, as a part of the agreement, Canadian billionaire Stroll will soon become the executive chairman and the brand will enter Formula One in 2021.

Also read: Aston Martin first-ever SUV, DBX might get V12; CEO hints