Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers has the answer and much more.
The Aston Martin DBX707 has one goal: to be the world's most powerful, fastest, and most luxurious SUV. With a total of 697 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque courtesy of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the DBX707 aims to be the new segment benchmark.
Speaking to CarBuzz and other media outlets, Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers couldn't hide his excitement about the new and all-powerful SUV, but one question remained on our minds: why not a V12?
“Weight distribution was a problem,” Moers said. “The DBX707 has a 53:47 weight balance [with the V8]. We would have had to change the characteristics of that [5.2-liter twin-turbo] V12. It'd lose the high torque and very linear power delivery [if placed in the DBX].”
In short, Aston Martin was able to achieve the SUV's performance goals with the AMG-sourced V8. The idea of a V12 certainly sounds good but it just wasn't practical. However, Aston Martin is far from done with V12-powered cars.
When asked if AM will be the last V12 manufacturer, Moers said there are no plans to retire the V12 “until 2026 or 2027” as there are “still a small number of customers” who desire one, such as its current use in the Vantage.
In regards to the V8, Aston did more than just find some extra power. Moers reminded us that engineers modified the turbochargers to the point where “the engine will not work in a two-wheel [drive] setup.”
This doesn't mean it won't be used in other applications but Moers refused to provide details on that matter aside from the fact the 707's engine will not be used in the upcoming mid-engine Vanquish program because it requires a flat-plane crank as a base engine.
One likely possibility for that, Moers said, is to further develop a Mercedes-AMG Black Series motor for a bespoke mid-engine program, though AM would want to do this in-house. The Valhalla “could possibly be the first carrier of this communized platform.” He was more forthcoming regarding a potential Nurburgring lap record attempt.
“Let's wait. We're not so far off but we need the right tires first.” Which tires? “The DBX707 comes with standard Pirelli 23-inch tires currently. At the end of the day, it's a tire test.”
The current SUV lap record at the Ring is 7:38.9, held by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Moers outright admitted the DBX707's benchmarks were the Cayenne for “handling and cornering” and the Lamborghini Urus for “more raw power and raw feeling.”
What about a Zagato-bodied DBX? “Nothing specific with Zagato just yet. But we do need a sportier, more aggressive body style. We will create something but in the second lifecycle of that generation.”
One thing is for certain: the DBX707 is going to be one wild ride and, very possibly, a new lap record holder very soon.
Keyword: Why The Aston Martin DBX707 Doesn't Have A V12