Aston Martin Working On New Straight Six Powertrain, Could Replace AMG’s V8

Aston Martin is reportedly developing a new straight six powertrain, which could feature hybrid technology, in order to replace the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8.

A source close to the British car maker told Autocar that development work is already under way and that the most likely first model to feature the new powertrain would be the upcoming DBX crossover model.

Back in 2013 Aston Martin signed a partnership with Daimler, with the deal including the British company not only using Mercedes’ on-board electronics, such as infotainment systems, but also the AMG twin turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, which is already used on models like the Vantage and DB11.

According to the same report, Aston Martin’s sharing of the AMG engine was only ever meant to be temporary, giving time to the company’s engineers to develop the new straight six powerplant. It’s also possible that the new engine will be derived by Aston’s twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12, currently found in the DB11 AMR and the DBS Superleggera.

Not many technical details are known yet but the new engine will most likely get electrified, using hybrid technology that was developed in the Rapide E. It might not be a proper plug-in hybrid, as Aston thinks that this sort of powertrain isn’t yet premium enough, but it should combine the sort of performance expected from Gaydon with excellent efficiency in order to meet future emissions standards.

Aston Martin is expected to continue using AMG’s 4.0-liter V8 for another few years, as the engine will make its appearance in the DBX crossover next year. Aston Martin’s first SUV will be initially powered by both a V8 and a V12 engine, with the hybrid version set to arrive early in the next decade.