Aston and AMG: it's official!
Technical partnership confirmed between the two, V8s are guaranteed...
A partnership that initially seems more advantageous to Aston rather than AMG. It's no secret that Aston Martin urgently requires new powertrain technology, a 6.0-litre V12 and 4.7-litre V8 not suited to selling vehicles in markets with stringent emissions laws. This latest agreement will allow Aston Martin to launch a new generation of models incorporating 'cutting-edge technology and newly-developed V8 powertrains'.
It's not as if AMG doesn't have a few V8s in its stable. Whilst the 6208cc unit that thunders away in the C63 isn't long for this world, the 5.5-litre twin-turbo found in the S63(and nearly every other Merc) would surely be a perfect fit for the larger Astons. Moreover, the naturally aspirated, cylinder-deactivating 420hp variant, as found in the SLK55, could presumably work in something like a V8 Vantage.
The proposed deal will also give Aston access to 'certain components of electric/electronic architecture'. Along with the mention of cutting edge tech, it can be surmised that a hybrid powertrain is probably on the cards. Aston has recently displayed its abilities with hydrogen, although a conventional hybrid appears likely in the immediate future. Furthermore, this should allow Aston to upgrade its rather dated infotainment technology.
So what does AMG gain? Today's announcement outlines that Daimler AG 'will own a stake of up to five per cent non-voting shares in Aston Martin depending on the progress of the agreement'. But with both engineering teams working together, a transfer of skills between the two is surely inevitable also.
AMG's head Ola Kallenius commented that the deal is 'a real win-win for both sides' and 'proof of AMG's technological and performance expertise'.
Ian Minards, Aston's Product Development Director, added that working with AMG whilst remaining independent 'points to a very bright future for the company'. Indeed it does!
As yet, there aren't any firm details on how the partnership will progress. We'll be sure to share any news as soon as it arrives.
If the numbers come up then I am happy to commit to an Aston with an AMG engine in the near future. Well Done everybody involved in bringing this to fruition.
What is more important IMO is chassis and platforms. This is where Aston are looking a bit old IMO.
On one hand it means Aston can now spend less on engine development and just take what AMG have on the shelf have it tweaked and away we go.
I know a lot of Jaguar parts went into DB7's and the newer V8 but we kind of all turned a blind eye to that as it least was sort of British.
On the other hand it is becoming ever more a kit car and less of a bespoke pedigree item like a Ferrari is. Peter Wheeler strived for years to put his own engines in TVR instead of Rovers to give the car pedigree. Yes Yes I know how that ended.
So financial security or the beginning of the end perhaps they should just buy an off the shelf Corvette engine and stick that in the US version cars.
Or:
1) A Rolls Royce with a borrowed BMW engine?
2) A Mini with a borrowed Peugeot engine?
3) A Range Rover with a borrowed Ford engine?
4) A Pagani with a borrowed AMG Engine?
5) A Lamborginihi with a borrowed Audi engine?
6) etc etc etc...
Fantastic news for Aston. Despite the press release putting a gloss on it, I'm not sure there is much more in it for AMG than simply selling engines, etc and making money, not that that's a bad thing!
AMG-engined cars, on the other hand, positively ripple with muscle. Exactly the sort of engine that Aston should be using; as they seem unable or unwilling to develop engines as good as are needed, an AMG buy-in has to be good news. And, ultimately, don't be surprised if Aston end up as part of the Mercedes group; again, no bad thing from my perspective, as the Germans in charge of Rolls-Royce and Bentley seem to have been very good stewards.
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