An Aston Martin V8 Vantage test mule was recently spotted cold weather testing alongside other Aston Martin test mules. It looks to have been fitted with a Mercede-AMG V8. The heavily camouflaged gives some hint as to what we can expect from the next generation V8 Vantage.
The engine hiding underneath this prototype is the 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine lifted from the Mercedes-AMG GT. The powertrain sharing came about as part of a deal struck between the British brand and the German behemoth. Recent Aston Martin’s have benefited from a range of Mercedes-Benz technology as a result of the agreement.
Customers of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage can expect to get a car with slightly less power than the Aston Martin DB11, perhaps in the region of 525 hp. It will also prove to be significantly lighter with a price tag certainly lower than the V12-engined DB11.
Expect the four-seater Aston Martin V8 Vantage to compete with the likes of the Bentley Continental GT and high-end four door AMG and Porsche Panamera models. The Aston should have the edge though on account of its sportier focus, flair and exclusivity.
