Aston Martin Considering Vantage With Mercedes Inline-Six

Aston Martin has revealed that it could launch an entry-level version of the Vantage with an inline-six from Mercedes-Benz.

The new Vantage is currently sold exclusively with AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Speaking with Wheels during the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin chief engineer Matt Becker said the inline-six of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 is being considered as an addition to the range.

“With emissions regulations going where they’re going and getting harder and harder, we have to consider all powertrain options, and we are considering six-cylinders for the future.

“Previous Astons have had six cylinders – a long time ago – but I think with CLS 53 (below), the engine that has is a very complicated and clever engine and it’s something that could fit with the brand in the future.”

Mercedes has tuned its inline-six to deliver 435 hp and 520 Nm in the CLS 53. Rather than messing with these peak figures, Aston Martin would likely play around with other elements to ensure the engine is fitting of the Vantage.

“Mercedes develop those [figures] to a point that we have to adhere to. Ours is more about the calibration of throttle travel relative to acceleration, and calibration of the engine to suit our mass and gear ratios – all of that has to be tuned.

“For example, the AMG GT uses a seven-speed double clutch while we’ve got a ZF eight-speed auto, but our ratios are different to their ratios, so the engine calibration has to change accordingly,” Becker said.

Becker failed to provide a possible timeline as to when the six-cylinder may come to the Vantage range. However, he did say that the Vantage’s engine bay can also support a V12…