Aston Martin DB11 V8!

Twin-turbo AMG 4.0-litre debuts in DB11, presumably allays fears of an all-electric line up...

Following yesterday's news that an all-electric RapidE is soon to enter production, Aston Martin today heralded a further diversification of its range, in line with its 'Second Century' strategy.

Presumably sounds more rumbly out here

Arriving in the form of a V8-powered DB11, the announcement marks the first time an Aston Martin will receive an engine supplied under its technical partnership with Daimler AG.

Specifically it's the 'hot-V' as used in the AMG GT, C63, E63 and, well, lots of other stuff. So ostensibly it's the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, with 510hp (identical to a GT S and C63 S) and 498lb ft (which exactly splits the two, with 480lb ft and 516lb ft respectively), resulting in a 0-62mph time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 187mph. This compared to the 608hp, 516lb ft, 3.9 seconds to 62mph and 200mph of the 5.2-litre V12. Again the eight-speed auto is used in a transaxle, surprising given it's been paired to a dual-clutch gearbox (GT), the MCT automatic (C63) and Merc's conventional nine-speed auto (E63) already. Has one engine ever been available with four gearboxes before?

Now, despite this being the same engine found in various AMGs, Aston is keen to highlight the several steps it has taken to "ensure it possesses the all-important feel and sound for which Aston Martins are renowned."

Hang on, is that purple?

To that end, new ECU software has been developed and the engine and throttle mapping have been reprogrammed. Aston Martin engineers have also designed a bespoke air intake, slimline wet sump and new exhaust system which, together with revised engine mounts, allow the V8 to be positioned lower down within the car. Interesting to note that it isn't dry-sumped, as the engine is in the AMG GT, which would presumably allow the engine to be mounted lower still - AMG clearly isn't lending out all of its tech!

With a weight saving of 115kg, a lower centre of gravity and the more compact V8 sitting further behind the front axle, we can hopefully look forward to increased agility and a more sporting feel from this car than the V12. Further evidenced by a specific tune for the springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and geometry in the eight-cylinder car.

Although it may be difficult to tell the new car apart from the existing one visually, there are several subtle differences between the two. These include a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels and just the two bonnet vents instead of the four featured on the V12. Inside, buyers can expect the same standard equipment levels, the same choice of colour and trim and, should those not suffice, the same Option Packs as are already available.

Coming to a quayside near you soon...

Making its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, the V8-powered DB11 is on sale now priced from £144,900, making it £13,000 cheaper than the £157,900 asked for the V12. Bargain (!)

As to what this means for the upcoming Vantage replacement, your guess is as good as ours. Will it still use a detuned version of the same engine? Might there even one day be a V6 at the bottom end of the range? Share your thoughts below!