Mike,

Any info on what is planned for the next Vantage engine? Will it be a modification of the current one or is it true that they will be using the 6.2L V8 from AMG?

 

I'm out in the cold now - so to speak, so have no idea what's next.

But it's easy to look at the industry and say what it HAS TO be or they will be left behind even further in the engine stakes...

It has to be significantly downsized displacement to meet emissions, fuel economy and CO2 legislation.
It would need to be cleverly pressure charged to make up for power loss caused by displacement reduction.
Looking at legislation trends and competitors it would be wise if it was a mild hybrid.
Looking at weight (for fuel economy reduction and power to weight ratio optimization) and package constraints (such as pedestrian crash meaning bonnet line constraints) it probably has to be 6 cylinders (inline?)

If they take a donor that is their only chance as new engine to the wish list stated above means 'signing on the line' for >50M GBP development budget, and I dont think their coffers are that big - and that's just for engine... add EMS, trans and driveline, ride and handling, body and interior and production tooling. They probably need >150M GBP to make a good job of it, and away from parent company such as Ford to pull from, a business model of <10,000 units per annum (which is what it has to be to comply with 'softer' emissions regs) - the development spend for the likely return over normal production run life-time doesn't make for the wisest investment - But lets hope so..!

 

Wow, a hybrid or a 6 cylinder??? Say it isn't so!

Times they are a changin'.

 

Aston Martin has confirmed that starting with the Lagonda aston will switch over from the ford-based units to the Mercedes units (which I am all for).

I do not see them using the 6.2L because its way too powerful. Maybe the 550 motor which can make alot more power when opening up.

I always had suspicions the 7.3L v12 in the one-77 was AMG derived, like the zonda ... perhaps this confirms it.

 

This is the first car that has me warmed up with the hybrid idea!
http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/21/auto...rice/index.htm

Amazing, better fuel economy than a Prius and smokes the V12V.....all at only $850k

 

They sure are - legislation looming for intro 2015 / 2020 puts a lump in the throat for anybody, like me, stubborn enough to only burn petrol for a living..!

 

So the problem is that Aston is a small car company and won't be able to satisfy the "average" emissions requirement across their entire range? I ask because other manufacturers are churning out new cars with huge engines that must suck down fuel. An example is the new Aventador with it's 6.5L V12. I guess Lamborghini can do this because they're tied to Audi?

 

yep, aston need to get in bed with someone to share credits with.

Both Lambo and Bentley one end of scale Skoda / Seat at the other

Loosing Ford was a big blow in sooo many ways..

 

I'm guessing (and hoping) the whole point of this whole Cygnet thing is to allow the regular cars to carry on with appropriate engines (V8/V12s). I would think a turbo 6 would be unlikely given Bez's dislike for forced induction, no? Of course I'd love to see a supercharged V8 but that seems unlikely, too.

007...the 6.2L can be detuned as in the C63, so I'm hoping they go that route. The 550 engines have switched to turbo V8s now, so I'd guess those would be ruled out unless they use the old ones as a base. It will be interesting...hopefully they play major catch-up with this next generation.

 

This is a good point. Not the 918, which is outrageously priced, but that high performance is still possible with good fuel economy. Someday it will be available at better prices. Unfortunately, it just won't be the same as a big V8 or V12.

 

Thought of that too, but I just don't see them selling enough of them to balance out the V8s and V12s, especially when there are much cheaper alternatives out there. Has anyone read that Aston has explicitly indicated that this was their strategy? I've only heard speculation.

 

A strategy implies that they actually thought about it

 

They won't use the 6.2L V8s period (unfortunately). With that said ... the 550 motors are not continued, they will still be around. The 6.2L are being phased out for 5.5L turbos, so all their V8s will be same displacement (saves manufacturing costs).

New SLS will use aston's VH architecture so as you can see this marriage could prove very useful for both manufactures.

 

Yeah hard to say...hopefully they will come up with something good. The old "550" engine (5.5L 382 hp) will need a lot of work to perform in the Vantage and the new "550" (4.6L turbo 402hp) wouldn't be used, nor would the new "63" (5.5L turbo 525 or 557 hp). So I'm not sure where that leaves us if the 6.2 is not on the table...that may be their best engine.

 

I have heard this discussion for nearly a year now. I had a source at AM in the UK that told me the move was to go to lighter more efficient cars with more modern engines and finish. He thought that a MB sourced engine was inevitable. This drove me to get the V12V because I saw it as a last of breed car. I am looking forward to the future but I am thrilled at the opportunity to own this car before there are no more lie it. The Jeremy Clarkson video rings in my head every time I think of it.