When we first heard rumors about Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin sharing engines and other technologies, we couldn’t help but imagine a V8 Vantage with a 6.2-liter V8 AMG engine, or perhaps a DBS with a 6.5-liter V12. But the first cooperation between the two companies might come as a surprise. Apparently, Aston is interested in borrowing some of Mercedes’ hybrid technology.
Since it would be difficult or impossible for Aston Martin to fund the development of a hybrid powertrain of its own, it seems only logical to license the technology. According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport an anonymous Mercedes executive said his company has been approached by Aston about V6 and V8 hybrid systems.
So where will these talks lead? We wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid version of the forthcoming Rapide sedan, with a relatively high horsepower rating and modest fuel economy given that output. How far the company might tech this technology remains to be seen.
Of course, this program is probably only one of many synergies being discussed by Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin bosses. As previously reported, the two companies have had a candid dialog about everything from cooperating on engines to whole vehicles.
03/11, 9:03 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
First, and LP640’s posts are all gone!
03/11, 9:04 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Hybrid might work for Rapide as its a 4dr Sedan… it kinda makes sense?
03/11, 9:06 AM
posted by:
Kaizen
At least they’ll be somewhat different. Everyone else seems to be jumping on the diesel bandwagon. I don’t like the idea of a diesel Aston.
03/11, 9:29 AM
posted by:
Astonman12
I think a hybrid Rapide is a good idea. It only seems logical that they would choose Mercedes-Benz because Aston has their engines built in Cologne, Germany and the Rapide will be built my Magna-Steyr in Switzerland. Who knows, maybe in one of the next Bond movies, he will be showing his Earth-friendliness by driving an Aston Martin hybrid! haha.
03/11, 9:54 AM
posted by:
El Aleman
Yeah a hybrid Rapide is definetely better than a diesel.. I love diesels to death but they just don’t suit sportscars.
Oh and Astonman: Magna Steyr is in Austria, not Switzerland.
03/11, 12:03 PM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Because these “Losers” are profitable now…
03/11, 5:25 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
oops my bad. still, austria is close to germany.
03/11, 8:16 PM
posted by:
bigp
now that ford has nothing to do with them i can only wish the best for them.
03/11, 8:56 PM
posted by:
autonut
I am interested in that model!