Downsized engines and dual-clutch transmissions may be the way the industry is heading, but Aston Martin is more deeply rooted in the past than most. This could explain why the British automaker is planning on sticking with V12 engines and manual transmissions for the foreseeable future.
Aston’s new chief executive Andy stated last week that the company is in no rush to get rid of the building blocks that have made it what it is today. And that means continuing to evolve its VH architecture, twelve-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
The company is working to develop a new platform and is collaborating on a new twin-turbo V8 with Mercedes-AMG. But those are still several years out, and Aston doesn’t plan to wait that long before rolling out new models. Before the new AMG-powered Vantage is ready, Aston will introduce the replacement for the DB9 that will still be based on the VH platform and pack an evolution of the company’s ubiquitous and long-serving 6.0-liter V12.
The platform and the engine aren’t the only old-school technologies Palmer is intent to keep. While Ferrari and Lamborghini do away with the manual altogether, and even Porsche goes PDK-only on the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, Aston isn’t giving up its clutch pedal any time soon. Of course part of that could come down to Aston not having a dual-clutch transmission to offer, while its antiquated sequential gearbox lags behind the times. But it will likely gain access to Mercedes transmissions along with the engine deal.
