Aston Martin ties up with Merc’s AMG

Aston Martin has today officially announced a ‘technical' partnership with Mercedes-AMG.

The two companies signed a new deal that will see Aston Martin access ‘significant' Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz resources; namely, the supply of bespoke V8 engines, and the use of some electric/electronic architecture.

Aston says the new partnership with AMG will help launch a new generation of models with these new V8s and "cutting edge technology". Daimler will in turn own a stake of up to five per cent non-voting shares in Aston Martin (depending on the progress of the agreement, of course), joining existing Aston Martin shareholders Investment DAR, Adeem Investment, and Investindustrial.

Ian Minards, Aston product development director, said: "Working with AMG in this way, while, of course, remaining independent and preserving the unique character and style of Aston Martin that has been the mainstay of the company throughout its 100-year history, points to a very bright future for the company as it starts its second century in business."

AMG's chief, Ola Källenius, added: "We are proud to work with Aston Martin and provide them with powertrain and e/e components for their forthcoming sports cars. This is proof of AMG's technological and performance expertise and a real win-win situation for both sides."

What does all this mean? Well don't expect to see TG's mocked up logo (above), that's for sure. Both sides are refusing to comment further, but, the Lagonda concept previewed a while back sat on a Mercedes-Benz ML, and Aston has needed some development on their V8 - and V12 - for some time now, as they haven't really been expanded much during their lifespans. Don't forget too, that AMG also supplies Pagani with powertrains, so it's not the first time this has happened.

The electric architecture thing is interesting, though, pointing to a potential hybrid Aston Martin V8 in the future. It could also mean the firm introduces start/stop to its range, at the very least.

As always, we'll have more on this story as it breaks. What's your take on the Aston and AMG tie-up, dot.commers?