Aston Martin Commits to Future V-12 Models

Aston Martin Holdings Ltd. plans to continue offering V-12-powered vehicles for the foreseeable future, chief creative officer Marek Reichman tells Top Gear.

Hailing V-12 engines as “one of the hearts” of the company’s identity, Reichman says Aston Martin has the capability to “keep V-12 engines going.” But he acknowledges that engineers will have to work like scientists to meet global emissions regulations, which could require the use of aftertreatment devices.

V-12 applications also are expected to be increasingly paired with hybrid-electric systems. Aston Martin previously has said that all future models will offer a hybrid or all-electric option by about 2025.

The upcoming Valkyrie hypercar—Aston Martin’s first hybrid vehicle—teams a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 (pictured) with an electric motor and Formula One-style kinetic energy recovery system. The combination generates a combined 1,160 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. The company’s first full EV, the Rapide E, was unveiled at this month’s Shanghai auto show.

Aston Martin offers a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 in the DB11 supercar. That engine kicks out 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Confirming previous reports, Reichman indicates Aston Martin also is considering a V-12 variant of the next-generation Vanquish sports coupe. The base model will be fitted with a twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, which will debut later this year in Aston Martin’s upcoming DBX crossover vehicle.

BMW, Ferrari and Lamborghini previously have indicated that they plan to continue to offer V-12 engines in future vehicles. But Mercedes-AMG is phasing out its last V-12, a 6.0-liter mill in the AMG S65, at the end of the vehicle’s lifecycle.