Thursday 19th December 2013

AMG and Aston Martin tie the knot

AMG says Happy Christmas Aston, gift-wrapped V8s on the way (in return for a five per cent stake)

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Funny, we were only talking about the engine partnership between AMG and Aston Martin the other day and now we've had further news on the deal. And, no, despite one PHer claiming inside knowledge that the collaboration was off it seems it's very much on.

A press release on the Daimler website states "following the signing of a Letter of Intent in July this year, the two companies have continued to work together, exploring opportunities for co-operation and these discussions have resulted in the signing of definitive agreements."

The ink is dry and the deal is done

So, Merry Christmas Aston Martin, you will be getting AMG engines after all! The statement goes on to say that "the technical partnership will allow Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin to develop bespoke V8 engines supporting Aston Martin's launch of a next generation of models that will incorporate cutting edge technology and newly developed engines combining high performance and fuel efficiency."

In return for access to the latest AMG engine technology Aston Martin is giving Daimler five per cent of non-voting shares and 'observer status' on the Aston Martin Holdings board, joining fellow shareholders Prime Wagon, Adeem Investment and Investindustrial.

This confirms what we were told when we met outgoing AMG boss Ola Kallenius and his successor Tobias Moers earlier in the year, the latter quoted in the release as saying, "We are proud to work with Aston Martin - this agreement is a win-win situation for both sides."

Moers also confirmed that "Mercedes-AMG will provide Aston Martin with engines for their forthcoming sports cars" without specifying exactly which engine the deal is based on. We speculated earlier in the week this might be the under-utilised normally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 we recently enjoyed in the SLK55 but growing pressure for downsizing from markets like China may mean Aston joining AMG in adopting smaller engines. That's 'smaller' rather than 'small', the Germans reportedly working on a tax friendly 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 with the potential to match the 500hp-plus of the outgoing twin turbo 5.5-litre. Additional collaboration on the supply of electronic components is also mentioned as a possible extension of the deal.

[blackchrome917]

I can't help thinking this is wrong somehow.

The engines are great (of that there is no doubt) but I can't help thinking its a downward spiral.

[NailedOn]

Simple economic I guess. AMG have the volumes that AM lack.

[KTF]

No doubt they will release a spinning 'all new' cars press release despite them looking the same as the old ones only with a new donkey under the bonnet.

[Cotic]

Apart from shifting more engine units, how does this help AMG?

Unless we're going to see 'Engineered by Aston Martin' A-Classes next to the AMG and Brabus models?

[B10]

So not much change really. Ford derived engines made in Germany. To MB derived engines made in Germany. It would be nice if AM designed and built their own engines with AMG input.

[jamieduff1981]

That's the end of the V12 then.

V8s are a bit dull and over-done are they not?

[V8 FOU]

B10 said:

So not much change really. Ford derived engines made in Germany. To MB derived engines made in Germany. It would be nice if AM designed and built their own engines with AMG input.

A bit like TVR then?

BTW. The article mentions that a PH'er with "inside knowledge" was wrong. Surely not!!

[Sampaio]

Cotic said:

Apart from shifting more engine units, how does this help AMG?

You'll get to tell your mates the engine on your C-Class is the same as the one in some Aston Martin! If you have a C63, that is. And if you're idiotic enough to brag about something like that.

Seriously though, I don't see anything wrong in the deal... It works wonderfully with Pagani

[j_s14a]

jamieduff1981 said:

That's the end of the V12 then.

V8s are a bit dull and over-done are they not?

AMG still build V12s.

[epom]

I think its great news anyhow.... I won't be buying mind you.

[romac]

So, that's Aston Martin Gaydon is it then?

Hopefully Aston Martin will get to blow some of their magic dust into the engines. The costs of keeping up-to-date on these technologies must be absolutely crippling, so you can understand the alliance... ...And the AMG engines in the Paganis are just Über-symphonic.

[KarlMac]

j_s14a said:

AMG still build V12s.

I was just about to add, the numerous specific references to V8 would suggest Aston are being quite cute about the range topping engine, which given previous comments could be the best compromise.

Deal makes sense on every level. Aston keep flagship V12 and get cheap v8s for the rest of the range.

[British Beef]

I think this is good news, engines and transmissions can be made with latest technology, power and efficiency requirements to be competitive, while being tailored to Astons (hopefully sporting) needs.

If it means that Astons can be serviced at MB dealers then it also massively improves the ownership prospect for those not living close to AM dealers / specialists.

Win, win and more win, me thinks!!!

[British Beef]

Plus, imagine (if the 6.3lt Merc motor was not to be discontinued) having that lump in the AMV8 with a manual box!!

Or a Rapide with 800bhp V8.

I do really hope Aston keep selling sports cars at least with the option of a manual, this is my biggest concern with this partnership.

[wtdoom]

Thank god . Maybe AMG can bring Aston out of the dark ages .


With Aston looks and amg engines , gearboxes and electronics these cars could create serious awe .

[roscobbc]

Hmmmm - wonder if Aston Martin will ultimately 'fall' in to German hands?

[Speedraser]

Whether it's great or horribly sad depends on what is meant by "bespoke." If retuned versions of AMG engines are dropped into Astons, then I will not be a buyer. The press releases say some frightening things, like the possibility of sharing platforms. The releases also say some encouraging things -- that they will develop bespoke engines for Aston. To me, "bespoke" means what I've said before -- base it on an AMG engine design like the current V8 is based on the Jaguar V8. Then -- and this is crucial -- give it its own block, crank, bearings, rods, pistons, cams, heads, valves, etc. This is what is done with the current V8.

I don't care how different a given engine can be made to feel through different tuning characteristics, boost levels, ECUs, etc. The Bentley Conti's 4.0 turbo V8 is the same engine as Audi's 4.0 turbo V8. The various versions of the AMG V8 are basically the same engine. Each has its own "characteristics" created through different power and torque curves, response characteristics, etc. I DON'T CARE -- it's the SAME engine. This is NOT bespoke, and not good enough.

[gary71]

Good news for AML. Without a major OEM link up they would have gone to ground very rapidly.

...and to anyone worrying about Aston not making their own engine any more, well they haven't really done that since this one ended production in 2000.

[Mastodon2]

Good news for Aston - let them focus on getting some creativity back into their designs, and let the Germans take care of the engines. Gave me a lol to see that billy bullstter got called out in the article too.

[dinkel]

Mastodon2 said:

Good news for Aston - let them focus on getting some creativity back into their designs, and let the Germans take care of the engines.

Exactly. I'd like to see a superb sporty GT and an equivalent to a Maserati. Aston Merc Galore!