Aston Martin has confirmed it is working on a new V-12 engine to power a forthcoming flagship model. Moreover, the British automaker has declined to elaborate, but it is clear that the new flagship car is undoubtedly the replacement for the V-12-powered DBS. This exciting development will bring back the Vanquish nameplate, a title first utilized on a 12-cylinder Aston Martin model in 2001.
The new Vanquish is expected to be officially unveiled before the end of this year. Interestingly, Aston Martin showcased a mid-engine concept badged Vanquish at the Geneva Show in 2019. However, the new car will adopt a front-engine coupe design, reminiscent of the most recent Vanquish (as seen below), with a convertible version likely to make its debut sometime in 2025.
Powertrain and Performance Enhancements
The new V-12 is based on the impressive 5.2-liter twin-turbo powerplant first introduced in the Aston Martin DB11 in 2016, which was last seen in the 2024 DBS 770 Ultimate, where it produced an astounding 760 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. According to Aston Martin’s chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli, the engine being developed for the upcoming Vanquish will generate an impressive 824 hp and a remarkable 738 lb-ft of torque.
- Key Hardware Enhancements:
- A strengthened engine block and connecting rods
- Redesigned cylinder heads with re-profiled camshafts
- New intake and exhaust ports for optimized performance
- Repositioned spark plugs and upgraded high-flow fuel injectors
- Advanced high-speed, low-inertia turbochargers for improved throttle response
This powertrain will likely drive the rear wheels via an upgraded eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, engineered to handle the increased power and torque while providing faster and more precise shifts. Consequently, expect a stiffer chassis, more refined steering, enhanced braking, and an overall dynamic handling experience unlike any previous big front-engine 12-cylinder Aston Martin model.
Vision for the Future
The upcoming Vanquish will continue Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll’s vision to reinvent the prestigious British sports car manufacturer. Stroll aims to elevate Aston Martin further upmarket, distancing the brand from rivals such as Porsche and Mercedes-AMG, and occupying a unique position between ultra-luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and ultra-performance vehicles such as Ferrari.
This transformative process commenced with the launch of the DB12 coupe last year, which introduced a newly styled exterior and a significantly upgraded interior that boasted Aston Martin’s own innovative infotainment system. In addition to enhanced power, the DB12 also received several chassis improvements.
The revised Aston Martin Vantage followed suit with similar enhancements. Furthermore, the development of the new Vanquish is expected to adhere to the same performance-oriented approach, producing a vehicle that will be built in much more limited quantities compared to the Vantage.
The launch of the Vanquish, alongside recent redesigns of the Vantage and DBX707, means that by the close of this year, Aston Martin will have released four models that have been redesigned or significantly refreshed within just 18 months.
Moreover, Lawrence Stroll is not slowing down. In early 2025, an entirely new Aston Martin Valhalla, a mid-engine supercar boasting 1012 hp powered by a proprietary hybrid powertrain, will join the lineup. This powertrain will utilize a versatile Mercedes-AMG developed twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, which is already featured in models such as the DB11 coupe and convertible, the new Vantage, and the DBX707.
