Aston Martin’s AMG V8 Will Be Replaced With An Aston-Built Straight-Six

Aston Martin is developing a straight-six engine that will eventually replace the AMG-sourced V8 across the model range – and it’s likely to be a hybrid.

The arrangement with AMG to take its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is a one-generation stop-gap solution while the British firm finishes its own emissions-reducing plans. It marks a return to an engine layout used with great success by Aston in its 1950s and 1960s heyday.

Autocar speculates that the new sixer could essentially be one bank of the company’s 5.2-litre V12, possibly with slightly enlarged capacity – or significant hybrid assistance to compensate for the torque deficit.

Its electricals would be derived from the Rapide E programme but a plug-in hybrid isn’t likely yet. Slow charging and a clumsy ownership experience could be among the reasons why Aston has said the tech “isn’t premium enough” yet. A closed hybrid system akin to that used with exceptional refinement by Lexus is an option.

Meanwhile, the AMG V8 will still feature in the DB11, Vantage and DBX SUV, the latter arriving in 2019.

Source: Autocar