New Vanquish to top 700bhp Aston flips its lid with one-off GT12

Aston Martin Vanquish

THE next Aston Martin Vanquish will launch with a tuned version of the DB11’S new twin-turbo V12 – possibly with more than 700bhp. Bosses have confirmed there is “significant headroom” for more power from the already potent 12-cylinder, and the new Vanquish is a likely target.

Aston’s engineers are satisfied with the DB11’S 600bhp V12, but as the Vanquish has historically sat at the top of the range, it will need a power boost to maintain its position as the brand’s flagship model.

Chief powertrain engineer Brian Fitzsimons told Auto Express the twin-turbo V12 has been “proven to 820bhp” during testing – with some “very elegant solutions” to help marry relatively low emissions with power.

When the DB11 arrives this autumn, it will momentarily surpass the Vanquish for outright power. Speculation suggests a jump from the current car’s 565bhp to more than 700bhp is feasible, thanks to the added turbos and more efficient engine. In fact, it could trump the 731bhp Ferrari F12 and get close to the track-focused 769bhp tdf model.

Fitzsimons also told us the engine could be adapted later down the line for electrification – helping Aston meet more stringent global emissions regulations.

“The engine has been designed with protection for future drivetrains,” he said. “I can deploy electrification when I want.”

When asked if turbocharging and electrification were planned, Fitzsimons said: “I think so. But there is always space for something special,” hinting that limitedrun, naturally aspirated V8 and V12 models could still form part of Aston’s future.

News Aston’s next flagship to use tuned DB11 V12 for huge power “Chichieff powertrainti engineeri Brianbi Fitfitzsimonsi ttoldld us theth twin-turbo V12 has been ‘proven to 820bhp’ in testing”