A 4-Cylinder Aston Martin Won't Happen, But An AM Tesla Roadster Rival Might
Speaking to Auto Express, CEO Andy Palmer did admit that Gaydon “could come down to a V6,” but ruled out going for anything smaller. “I have no objection to the principle of engines that are smaller and in a V configuration, in fact, but in-line four-cylinder or three-cylinder units? No. I don’t think we’ll see an Aston Martin with a combustion engine that has any fewer than six cylinders,” he said.
Fully electric models are inevitable, however, with Aston Martin due to put the plug-in RapidE into production next year. More intriguing though is the potential for a compact, expensive and stupidly fast EV sports car. In other words, a Tesla Roadster rival, which Palmer dubs as “possible.”
“The interesting thing is that the other three key components of any electric car – weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance – are areas sports car manufacturers, and us in particular, are really good at mastering,” he said, adding, “That puts us at an advantage over other brands who are making some big claims – such as Tesla, with a lightweight roadster.”
If it does happen, we’ll be waiting a while. Aston has currently planned for a new model each year up until 2022, so a potential Tesla Roadster beater wouldn’t be here until 2023 at the earliest.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
They shouldn’t go for a engine with less than 12 cylinders
2023 arrival date for their Tesla roadster rival? Sounds like it will get here before the Tesla roadster given Tesla’s knack for production delays
I think a 6-cyl could work in something small (the Vantage or possibly something even smaller). For example, I reckon the Giulia QV’s V6 has enough character and has the same power as the V8 in the new base Vantage. As for a Roadster competitor, I think it could work, but I hope that Aston doesn’t compromise experience for performance. Maybe there should be a RWD electric Vantage option in addition to whatever crazy AWD concoction they’re cooking up.
The Nissan GTR uses a V6 for years and years and does 600HP? Aston get 600HP out of a V12?
Imagine, though, if Aston Martin can make engines muffled with turbos still sound AMAZING what they could manage with a 4-cylinder… but no I don’t want them to actually build production cars with those
Gentlemen buy Astons, not liberalmobiles
I’d have nothing to say against inline-sixes (like back in the old days of Aston) when they make them sound magnificent, and we all know they can.
They finally learned from their mid…(wait there’s an electric one coming? Oh for gods sake) You know what nevermind