Last year, the DB11 became the first AMG-powered Aston Martin, utilizing the German performance division's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The same unit also powers the new Vantage, but a new report by Autocar claims the partnership between the two firms won't last for much longer.
According to the report, Aston Martin is developing its own in-house straight-six engine that will eventually replace AMG's acclaimed V8 powerplant. Citing a "source close to the firm," the new powertrain is likely to incorporate hybrid technology developed through the brand's Rapide E program to combat increasingly stringent emissions regulations around the world.
Aston Martin entered a technical partnership with Mercedes-AMG back in 2013 allowing the British automaker to use AMG's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, but this deal was allegedly only temporary while Aston Martin worked on its own straight-six. The new powertrain could be derived from Aston's current 5.2-liter V12 that powers the range-topping DB11 Superleggera.
Technical details of Aston's new straight-six engine are being kept under wraps for now. However, the report suggests Aston Martin will continue to utilize AMG's V8 for "another few years" before gradually phasing it out in favor of its new in-house straight-six.
The first model that will likely utilize this new powertrain is the upcoming DBX crossover. Slated to debut in late 2019, Aston Martin's first ever SUV will initially be offered with Aston Martin's V12 and AMG's V8 engines before a hybrid variant joins the line-up early in the next decade.