Why Aston's AMG Partnership Makes Us A Little Sad

Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG have signed an agreement that means future Astons will use AMG engines in one of the best pieces of news to hit Car Throttle HQ in weeks. But is it all good news?

The firms are both staying tight-lipped about their plans for future models but the ‘technical partnership’ includes AMG taking a 5% stake in Aston and placing an ‘observer’ on Aston’s board of directors.

In turn Aston Martin will benefit from AMG engines in a “powertrain development process”, and given the current development trajectory for the German brand this almost certainly means turbocharged V8s. Aston has neither the time nor the money to develop efficient enough engines to avoid big fines under EU emissions laws, and the AMG tie-up could be an effective way around the problem.

It opens up the floor to all sorts of possibilities, especially now that AMG has a four-cylinder unit available. We could definitely see a four-cylinder sub-Vantage model to rival the Alfa Romeo 4C. What we can't help thinking is that with all this talk of powertrains and electrics, we might be in for an electric Aston using the guts of the seriously rapid SLS Electric Drive...

Also on the table are Mercedes’ electrics and electronics, known in-house as e/e systems. They will be available for Aston to use in whatever way it sees fit, so expect everything from advanced infotainment interfaces to humble wiring looms.

The big dog at Mercedes-AMG, Ola Källenius, said: “We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG’s technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides.”

The folks at Aston sound equally chirpy about the news. Product Development Director Ian Minards added: “We have selected AMG specifically as the basis for this powertrain development process. Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.”

So why are we still a little sad to hear about this hook up? Well, we don't want to let it slide without mentioning that this pretty much spells the end for one of the world’s greatest-ever engines: the normally-aspirated Aston Martin 6.0 V12.

So let’s make sure we enjoy it while we can. Adieu, mon amour...

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