cars news 10: Aston Martin Begins Production of V-12 Engines for DB11

Aston Martin has begun full production on the new 5.2-liter twin-turbo V-12 that will power the DB11 sports car.

The engine, which is produced in Cologne, Germany, makes 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It should allow the DB11 to reach a top speed of 200 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, the automaker estimates. Paired to this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne has produced 40,000 V-12 engines since its opening in 2004. It takes a whopping 8 hours to build just one V-12 engine here, as an engine assembly technician has to build each one from start to finish before it undergoes strict cold and hot testing. Along with the new engine, the facility will continue to produce 6.0-liter V-12 engines and 4.7-liter V-8s for Aston Martin cars.

“To have the ability to design and then manufacture our own high-performance engines in-house is something very special,” Aston Martin President and CEO Andy Palmer said in a statement. “It gives us ultimate control of quality and that all-important character for which Aston Martin cars are renowned. I have no doubts that our new twin-turbo V12 is the start of an even greater era of success.”

The Aston Martin DB11 replaces the DB9 and goes on sale late this year. In the U.S., prices will begin at $211,995.

Source: Aston Martin