It's official. Aston Martin has announced that it is set to enter a technical partnership with Mercedes AMG, with the plan being for the two companies to collaborate on future models.
The deal will allow Aston Martin access to Merc's resources, allowing for the development of new bespoke V8 powertrains and electric architecture.
Arguably, the deal is of crucial importance to Aston Martin. Aston's 6.0-litre V12 and 4.7-litre V8, glorious though they may be, are relics of a different age. If the company really wants to keep up with the big boys and meet increasingly stringent EU emissions legislation, it desperately needs a range of smaller, turbocharged engines to power its next generation of cars.
This is where Mercedes comes in. The German company has V8s, almost literally, coming out of its ears. There's the 5.5-litre unit in the S63, the 6.2-litre unit in the C63, the 4.7-litre unit in the E500. The list goes on.
By plundering Merc's engine bin, Aston will be able to stay at the forefront of the market place with class-rivalling emissions and economy figures without the expense of developing its own range of turbocharged powertrains.
The deal will also see Aston being afforded access to Mercedes' electric technology, which indicates that a hybrid-powered Aston could very much be on the cards. Plus, Aston will also benefit from Mercedes' research into electronics, allowing the company to update its somewhat antiquated infotainment systems.
Despite the deal, Aston Martins will continue to be produced in the UK at the company's Gaydon facility in Warwickshire.
Speaking about the deal, Aston Martin Product Development Director Ian Minards said: "Aston Martin sources cutting edge technology from key suppliers around the globe and the opportunity to include content from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in our next generation sports cars is, clearly, good news.
"Working with Mercedes-AMG in this way while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business."
Ola Kallenius, Head of Mercedes-AMG said: "We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e [electric/electronic] components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG's technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides."
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