Aston Martin V8s roar like AMGs and here’s the German secret under the hood
Published on Aug 23, 2025 at 1:18 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Aug 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Aston Martin V8 owes its sound and performance to Mercedes-AMG, most notably in the Vantage where the collaboration is most visible.
The partnership began in 2013 and gave Aston Martin access to AMG engines along with infotainment and electrical systems.
The DB11 was the first model to feature a Mercedes-AMG V8 in 2018, marking a shift in the company’s approach to its powertrains.
The deal explains why every Aston Martin V8 today carries German engineering at its core.
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Why Aston Martin V8 runs on AMG power
Aston Martin once designed and built all its own engines, but financial pressures and tougher emissions rules forced that to change.
Mercedes-AMG stepped in to supply the Aston Martin V8, giving the brand a proven powertrain without the cost of starting development from scratch.
The Vantage became the most recognizable example of this strategy, combining AMG power with Aston Martin design and chassis engineering.
The agreement provided stability at a crucial time.
After Ford sold the company in 2007, Aston Martin faced repeated financial difficulties.
The partnership with Mercedes-AMG ensured that the DB11 and the Vantage could meet regulatory requirements while maintaining performance standards.
Aston Martin continues to build V12 engines, but the Aston Martin V8 lineup is now directly tied to AMG supply.
The impact goes beyond sports cars too.
The DBX SUV and the Valhalla hypercar also use Mercedes-AMG engines, highlighting how central the deal has become to the brand’s strategy.
Each model reinforces the role of the Aston Martin V8 in keeping the company competitive in global markets.
What’s next for Aston Martin and AMG
The partnership between Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG has only deepened.
Mercedes-Benz increased its stake in Aston Martin to 20 percent in 2020, and AMG’s Tobias Moers briefly took over as CEO.
Current chief executive Adrian Hallmark has set a target for profitability by 2026, and the Aston Martin V8 powered by AMG is central to that plan.
Aston Martin leadership has acknowledged the reliance.
Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli said that without Mercedes-AMG engines and electrical systems the company would face major challenges.
Sharing technology allows Aston Martin to direct more resources into design, electrification, and expansion, while still delivering strong V8 models like the Vantage and DB11.
Other manufacturers use AMG engines as well. Pagani relies on AMG V12s, and Lotus fits an AMG four-cylinder into the Emira.
Aston Martin follows the same pattern, gaining reliability and efficiency from the partnership.
The result is that the roar of the Aston Martin V8, most clearly heard in the Vantage, will remain part of the company’s identity for years to come.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
