Aston Martin Confirms New Platform

Expect big things from Aston Martin over the next few years, as the company recently used its 2013 financial report to confirm that it is working on a new vehicle architecture that will underpin future Aston Martin models. In a statement issued by the company, Aston Martin Chief Financial Officer Hanno Kirner highlighted the partnership with Mercedes AMG and said that this new platform represents the biggest investment program over the brand’s 101-year history.

We’ve known about this AMG-Aston partnership for a while now, as the two companies made it official last December that they would share V-8 powertrains, automatic transmissions, electrical components, and plug-in hybrid technology going forward. This Aston Martin platform is a new development, though, as we previously speculated that future Aston models could use the Mercedes SL platform. We don’t know which models will end up using this architecture, but sports cars like the Vantage, DB9, and Rapide will likely be due for redesigns within the next few years. An Aston Martin SUV is also reportedly in the cards, and may use a version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz GL’s platform.

The statement says Aston Martin is working on, "world-class bespoke V8 powertrains" and "a completely new architecture and technologies."

“Our strong ownership structure and strategic partnership with Daimler AG, finalized in December 2013, provides us with a solid foundation for the unprecedented investment program that will underpin our future growth,” said Kirner in a prepared statement. In 2013, Aston Martin gained new investors as well as opening more dealers and entering into new markets like Mexico and Thailand to facilitate the company’s growth. Aston Martin has previously expressed a goal of reaching 7000 global sales by 2016, roughly doubling the company’s current sales.

Stay tuned for more news about Aston Martin as the company embarks on its ambitious plan for the future.