Aston Martin’s ‘core’ range of cars is set to gain plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power.
That includes not only the DBX, which had already been mooted to be getting the PHEV treatment, but also the DB12, DBS and Vantage lines.
“Our electrification journey will start with Valhalla, our first PHEV supercar, and we plan to expand our PHEV range into our core vehicles which will bridge the customer journey from ICE to full BEV,” said Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll.
DB12
Aston Martin hasn’t provided specific launch timing for these electrified models, which are expected to use powertrains from Mercedes-AMG. It has, however, previously indicated it would roll out a range of PHEVs by 2026.
Considering a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V8 is already found under the bonnet of the DB12, DBS and Vantage, it appears likely Aston Martin could use a version of the plug-in hybrid twin-turbo V8 found in Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 E Performance and S63 E Performance.
The GT 63 S E Performance blends a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor for 620kW of power and a staggering 1400Nm of torque, and features a 6.1kWh battery and 12km of electric range.
Updated Vantage
The S63 E Performance has total system outputs of 590kW and 1430Nm and uses a larger 131.kWh battery for more electric range: 34km in total.
Aston Martin’s previously revealed Valhalla has a different plug-in hybrid set-up: there’s still a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, albeit with a flat-plane crank and mated with twin electric motors. Outputs are 699kW and 1000Nm, with a claimed 15km of electric range.
It appears Aston Martin will launch new plug-in hybrid vehicles more or less in tandem with its first electric vehicle, due in 2025 and set to use an architecture and powertrain from American electric vehicle startup Lucid.
