Collaboration among competing automakers is becoming increasingly common in the automotive industry, and it often leads to mutual benefits. Take, for example, the partnership between Toyota and Subaru, resulting in the creation of the Scion FR-S/Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. Similarly, Honda and General Motors have joined forces to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology, showcasing how shared efforts can drive progress. In the spirit of cooperation, in 2013, Mercedes-AMG, renowned for tuning larger Mercedes-Benz vehicles, entered into a strategic alliance with the prestigious Aston Martin to produce V8 engines for the world-famous James Bond car producer.
The Aston Martin-Mercedes-AMG Collaboration
The debut of the new powerplant was in the 2018 Aston Martin DB11, a model traditionally equipped with a V12 engine. This 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine boasted an impressive 503 horsepower, and according to a press release by Aston Martin, it provided the DB11 with “an increased sense of agility.” The change from a V12 to a smaller V8 engine inevitably influenced the car’s handling dynamics, and critics praised the outcome. Aston Martin continued its collaboration with AMG, employing their powerplants in several of their contemporary vehicles, including the brand’s inaugural SUV, the DBX.
One might wonder why a company celebrated for producing near-perfect grand tourers and sports cars would seek external assistance for its engines. It’s not that Aston Martin lacks the expertise to build its own engines; they still offer V12 engines in their high-end models. However, the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Smaller displacement engines and, eventually, electric motors are gaining prominence over V12 engines, making them less sustainable in the long run. Acknowledging this shift, Aston Martin realized that it would need an entirely new engine design, requiring substantial resources and expertise.
The Power of Collaboration in the Automotive Industry
This is where Mercedes stepped in to lend a helping hand in 2013. Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s chief technology officer, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in an interview with Autocar, stating, “Without Mercedes, we could be in trouble.” The partnership with Mercedes-AMG ensured that Aston Martin could meet the evolving regulatory demands and continue to deliver exceptional performance to its customers. Fedeli also indicated that this successful collaboration is here to stay.
In terms of scale, Aston Martin remains a relatively small automaker, especially when compared to the automotive giant, Mercedes-Benz. Aston Martin’s financial report for 2022 revealed that they sold only 6,412 cars throughout the year, while Mercedes-AMG, in contrast, sold 137,700 vehicles during the same period. In addition to providing engines and electrical components, Mercedes-Benz holds a notable 9.74% ownership stake in Aston Martin, a figure expected to increase further in the future.
The Mercedes-powered Astons are not the only supercars to benefit from cross-brand collaborations. For instance, the iconic McLaren F1, considered one of the greatest cars ever made, relies on a BMW engine, demonstrating that successful alliances transcend traditional boundaries.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Aston Martin and Mercedes-AMG serve as a powerful testament to the potential of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of innovation and overcoming challenges in the industry. Through shared expertise and resources, automakers can navigate the changing landscape, delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance to enthusiasts worldwide.
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