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Aston Martin developing TT hybrid V6 to replace AMG-sourced V8

We knew that Aston Martin is working on a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 hybrid that will fit into the forthcoming mid-engined Valhalla (pictured) and Vanquish sports cars. Car and Driver spoke to Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer, who explained that the engine will effectively replace the Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter V8. Palmer explained the rationale by saying, ""Mercedes have made no secret of where their engine technology is moving to, and obviously we don't foresee four-cylinder engines in our Astons, so we’ve got to make our own journey." Autocar reported recently that the next AMG C 63 will be powered by a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder. Aston Martin's V6-for-V8 substitution means the Vantage, DB11, and DBX will eventually get V6 power, too, although it's not clear when that will happen. Production of the Valhalla, the model that first brought news of the coming V6, is slated to begin in late 2021. Palmer all but said the six-cylinder will be more powerful than the eight-cylinder it replaces because "there's no way our customers are going to expect to step backward" as far as output's concerned. Regarding the Valhalla, last year when C/D "suggested to an Aston spokesman that the car would need to produce at least as much as the 789-hp McLaren Senna to be regarded as a worthy opponent, he agreed that was a fair assessment." At the other end, the V8-powered Vantage makes 496 horsepower, leaving plenty of room for graduated tunes among the sports cars. Engineers will need to focus on getting the sound right, Palmer adding, "As long as it feels like a V-8 and sounds majestic, I think it's a perfectly sensible way to go, and a lot more sensible than an [inline] four would be for us." Electric help will take a less revolutionary form than we're seeing in a number of modern super sports cars. The V6 won't go plug-in, Palmer wary of the necessary weight gain; Lamborghini's spoken at length about its trouble finding suitable concepts for the next-gen hybrid powertrains for the Huracan and Aventador that provide an acceptable weight/performance balance. Aston Martin's plan is apparently to stick with the Valkyrie template, putting an electric motor between the engine and a traditional transmission, instead of using a transmission with an integrated e-motor as seen on coupes like the Acura NSX and Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Aston Martin intends to go against the current in another way, too, at least for now.

Watch Top Gear lap the Aston Martin Vulcan at Yas Marina

Late last month, we reported on Top Gear – that's the magazine, not the TV show – getting its first crack at the new Aston Martin Vulcan. While impressions of the track star were limited to text, the famous British mag has now released video of its close encounter at the Yas Marina Circuit. You want to watch this video. Despite Top Gear not actually being on the air, it's pretty clear the video team on the magazine end has taken a lot of inspiration from the telly. Stylistically, this is a good thing. But it's also good because of the details we can see on the Vulcan. Every louver, scoop, and slat seems to get attention, and the footage where the entire car is featured is just gorgeous. If you don't have flashbacks of Clarkson, Hammond, and May within the first five seconds of the video – when the Vulcan executes a lovely slide on corner exit – then we suggest you watch more TG. Driving the car is Ollie Marriage, the same bloke that wrote last month's piece on the Vulcan, and his sentiments largely echo the text. Only, you know, there's a lot more engine noise. And gear whine. And flames. Like we said, you want to watch this video. And you can. It's embedded up top. Have a look. Related Video:

Aston Martin's extremely British DBS Superleggera special edition: DBS 59

Aston Martin just released a new special-edition model called the DBS 59. The name pays respect to Aston Martin's 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its DBR1 race cars. This car is based off the 715-horsepower DBS Superleggera, the fastest vehicle in Aston's current lineup. All the changes for the special edition car are visual, but they make for one hell of a stunner. Every DBS 59 will be painted in British racing green and use a plethora of gloss carbon fiber on the exterior. You'll see the carbon on the roof, roof strakes, rear valance, spoiler and hood louvers. To complement the carbon fiber, Aston used bronze accents in some spots like the front grille, badging, brake calipers and wheels. It all comes off as very British, and we're loving the classy looks of it. The interior is actually tri-toned. There are brown and black leather seats, but British racing green trim is found in some areas as an accent. Fabric designed to harken back to the same stuff used on the DBR1 was commissioned for the DBS 59's seat backs and door inserts. You get one of the cooler accessories packages with the car: The rear compartment holds special DBS 59 crash helmets. Period-correct blue race overalls, racing gloves modeled after those worn in the 1959 race, a bespoke two-piece luggage set and a car cover specific to your model number all come with the car. Speaking of model numbers, Aston Martin plans to make 24 of these — you know, because there are 24 hours in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car will have a small white painted number next to the side strakes to signify which one you got. All the mechanicals are the exact same as the normal DBS Superleggera. That's totally fine — the Superleggera goes 211 mph. Aston Martin doesn't provide a price, but you can order one now. Our guess is, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Related video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin DBS 59 Image Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Luxury Performance supercar aston martin dbs superleggera