Divine intervention.....

http://www.leftlanenews.com/aston-ma...g-engines.html

 

As much as I wish they'd develop the current engines with DI, more displacement, etc., the reality is that AML doesn't have the resources to do it alone. A smarter approach is to leverage partners like they did under Ford. This is a solid strategy but I worry that the MT will completely disappear with this type of arrangement.

 

No more than the sales of MT vehicles of models that already offer MT's, but are outsold a LOT by their dual clutch/automated single clutch/automatic counterparts (9:1 for most sports cars).

 

this may or may not shed some light:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...on-go-amg.html

 

I think it's a great idea to go with AMG. I've had a few AMGs and the engines and electronics are bullet proof. It'll be interesting to see how this works out.

 

I just drove a2014 Vanquish S. I really think AM needs to thinking of the future more. Sure the V12 is great, but how do they plan to meet future EPA restrictions. I am luke warm if they should use AMG. Cannot use BMW, or VW as too much completiton with their diverse brands.

 

I know I am a Luddite and that AML only offers the V8V with a MT, but I still prefer the engagement of a nice stick. Looking at Ferrari and McLaren, my MT days are numbered.

 

Very little of AM's technology is their own, it is nearly all "leveraged"
Graziano boxes, Ford engines, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, Caparo torque tubes, Lotus bonding technology, 177 monocoque, Garmin sat nav, Volvo airbags and so on!

I do think the AMG engine link could work, after all it works for the likes of Zonda

 

Very little of AM's technology is their own, it is nearly all "leveraged"
Graziano boxes, Ford engines, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, Caparo torque tubes, Lotus bonding technology, 177 monocoque, Garmin sat nav, Volvo airbags and so on!

HOWEVER, the one thing that is their own and purely Aston-Martin, is the most beautiful body every put on a Car! That, and the James Bond connection, are the main reason I now drive one.

 

That is true of most automakers these days. Suppliers provide everything from gearboxes to electrical components. Many use their own facilities to assemble components built to their specs.

 

I agree and I struggle with this all the time, I want to add an italian car to the stable next. I really was looking at a Ferrari CS orScud but either comes only with F1 gear box, whereas the gated shifter is available on the standard 430 or the Lambo Gallardo and Murcielago, so those are options also.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotes

this may or may not shed some light:

Some good comments there...


I think we need to understand more about what AM is trying to achive with this partnership. I don't believe it is R&D, it may be a manufacturing problem where Aston does not want to bare the full on cost of engine production for their car production volumes...which would make sense. In you guys are unaware, Aston just opened a state-of-the-art R&D facility a few short miles from the Nordschleife. It may be the best facility there to date.

Look at AM's commitment to racing all over the world, especially with the Vantage. It really is a chasis that has been around for a few years and its most successful racing years have been the most recent.

Many of us, on initial thought of an AMG partnership, would welcome this because we are use to being the power underdog. However when you look at the power-to-weight ratios compared to the AMG motors, Aston is not far off. Also remember the problems weight introduces...lets not kid ourselves Astons are heavy. In dumping in AMG powerplants which are virtually the same found in the Mercs, Aston will lose its soul....especially with so many other parts already being sources from so many vendors. A Mclaren partnership could be interesting, keeping the heritage British and leveraging what each manufacturer does best.

I use to be a guy that wanted the greatest technology currently available and always looking to who will push the envelope further next through spec sheets and proven lap times...however I like where Aston is going and what they have accomplished in the past few years. Hey have made continual improvements of their existing powerpants which shows they had an original vision…the engines have character. Additionally the current range have SOUL and timeless elegance. Aston is restoring the company based on its founding principles...gentlemen’s GT cars with proven technology on the race track. They definitely have room for improvement in their production vehicles. Astons have never been the best engineered but they have always had soul. I like where Aston is going and I think people are starting to notice the improvements. The One-77 was a symbol to the world that Aston is coming and coming strong. I see them developing into a dominating exotic brand in the near future...similar to what Audi was able to do in the past decade only on a smaller scale. They just need to stay profitable and true to their values. They have reestablished in the brand as


Since its founding Aston Martin has maintained one of the strongest brand image and and perception compared to any and despite there challenges. Bez has really turned Aston around since taking over in 2000. Dr. Bez, I can be available for consultation ;-)

 

An Aston Martin with an AMG engine dropped into it would be of zero interest to me. The engine is the heart of the car, and if I want an AMG I'll buy an AMG. If, however, AMG is the starting point, like the Jag V8 was for the Aston V8 (and the Aston engine has its own unique block, heads, crank, rods, pistons, cams, etc.), then it could be fantastic. If they merely tune it differently from the AMG "version," like the "differences" between the Audi V8 and the Bentley V8, or the Audi/Bentley W12, then no thanks. Bentley says it's V8 has its own distinct "character." Sorry, software and exhausts arent enough. Not even close. And BMW plays engine sounds through the audio speakers.

About transmissions; 3 pedals and a gear lever, EVERY time. That the V8S can now be had with the manual 'box is encouraging. That the DB9 and the Vanquish cannot is discouraging.

 

Aston CEO stated recently that the current motors are able to meet emissions requirement well into the next generation. Of they do need an engine it probably won't be until 2017 at the earliest. I think at least for the next few years Aston will remain the same.

 

Fair point
Also worth noting they have just started using an updated V12 so they are unlikely to move from that until they have got maximum value from it.