Aston Martin prepares a revolution: new modular chassis and extension of V12 life
In the last few years, Aston Martin has been updating its lineup, but the company’s executives are looking far ahead. According to them, a new generation of sports cars, SUVs, and supercars on a completely new platform will appear soon. And, most importantly, the V12 also has a future.
The goal is not simply to improve performance or technology. Aston Martin wants to radically change how it designs, manufactures, and profits from its cars.
V12 gets a reprieve
Let’s start with the news that actually excites enthusiasts. Aston’s iconic 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 may have more life than many expected.
We have done some work to make the V12 compliant with European and American [regulations], — Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark told Auto Express. — If we keep V12 sales below 1000 units per year, we will be exempt from legislation at least until 2035.
Essentially, the engine survives by remaining rare. The exemption depends on Aston producing fewer than 1000 V12s per year, trading volume for the freedom to keep the twelve-cylinder engine for almost a decade longer than regulations would otherwise allow.
One platform to bind them all
All this comes as Aston Martin works to simplify its business, increase profitability, and maintain the uniqueness of its cars. The new platform is expected to underpin everything: from future grand tourers and SUVs to mid-engined flagship models, creating much greater commonality between models than exists today. You read that correctly. Aston’s future flagship could share significant underpinnings with an SUV. Or, perhaps it’s better to think of it the other way around.
Hallmark described the future architecture as “revolutionary,” noting it will include entirely new powertrain systems, electronics, seats, climate control, and chassis.
The modular platform is designed to accommodate several body types and even future battery electric vehicles, with sports cars and SUVs sharing many more parts and coming off the same production line. Aston now expects these electric cars to arrive sometime in the 2030s, rather than later this decade.
In the near future, internal combustion engines remain central to the company’s plans. Hallmark noted that changing emissions regulations, as well as the additional cost, weight, and complexity of plug-in hybrids, mean this technology no longer makes sense for Aston Martin, adding:
We are not lost, we are pragmatic.
Instead of plug-in hybrids, the automaker is expected to rely on 48-volt mild hybrid systems, which boost efficiency, support electrically driven turbochargers, power auxiliary functions, and potentially allow limited engine idling under certain conditions.
Beyond powertrains, Aston expects to increase efficiency in many areas of the business. The new platform should reduce costs and complexity. The brand intends to fully exploit every opportunity to simplify production without losing what makes Aston special. Now it remains to be seen whether it can deliver on this.
Aston Martin’s decision to focus on a modular platform and mild hybrids instead of plug-in hybrids is a pragmatic step that allows the company to preserve its ICEs, particularly the legendary V12, in an era of stringent environmental regulations. The strategy of limiting V12 production to 1000 units per year is a genius way to bypass regulations, maintaining exclusivity and appeal for collectors. However, the success of this ambitious program will depend on the company’s ability to effectively implement the new architecture, reduce costs, and increase profitability without losing the unique character of its cars, which brand fans value so highly.