The Aston Martin AE17 is a 4,698 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features a 90° V8 configuration, DOHC valvetrain, and direct fuel injection, delivering 330 kW (450 PS) and 600 Nm of torque. Its compact design and responsive throttle were engineered for agile grand touring dynamics, with a redline of 7,000 rpm.
Fitted to the V8 Vantage, DB9, and Rapide, this engine was developed in-house and adapted for longitudinal mounting. Emissions compliance was achieved through high-pressure direct injection and variable valve timing, enabling Euro 6a certification across all markets. The all-aluminium construction contributes to low mass and improved weight distribution, enhancing chassis balance.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, noted in Technical Service Bulletin AMB-TB-2013-004. This can result in fuel pressure instability and misfire under high load. From 2014, Aston Martin introduced a revised HPFP with enhanced internal components and updated ECU calibration to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2012–2016 meet Euro 6a standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3987).
The Aston Martin AE17 is a 4,698 cc V8 petrol engine developed for high-performance grand touring applications (2012–2016). It features a 90° V8 layout with dual overhead camshafts and Bosch HDEV5 direct injection, delivering responsive throttle characteristics and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 6a emissions standards, it balances compact packaging with performance-oriented engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,698 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 84.8 mm | |
| Power output | 330 kW (450 PS) @ 7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6a | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted, 120,000 km interval) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin M-spec 5W-50 | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers smooth, high-RPM power ideal for grand touring but requires adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using M-spec 5W-50 to maintain camshaft and VVT system longevity. Extended idle periods should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. High-octane fuel (RON 95 minimum) is recommended for optimal combustion stability. Pre-2014 models should have HPFP inspected per AMB-TB-2013-004; post-2014 units feature revised components. Engine longevity is highly dependent on consistent maintenance and avoidance of prolonged idling.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin M-spec 5W-50 (AMB-TB-2012-01). Meets ACEA A3/B4 and BMW LL-01 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6a certification applies to all models (2012–2016) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3987).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across production run (Aston Martin TIS AM-AE17-PEP).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-AE17-01, AM-AE17-04, AMB-TB-2013-004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3987)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin AE17 was used in the VB and R platforms with longitudinal mounting and developed under in-house engineering. This engine received platform-specific tuning—optimized intake manifolds in the V8 Vantage and revised exhaust headers in facelifted variants—and from 2014 the updated V8 Vantage S adopted a higher-lift cam profile and modified ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-hand side of the block near the front timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-AE17-ID1). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for V8 series). Pre-2014 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2014 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from Vantage S variants: Original AE17 uses Bosch MG1CS017 ECU with circular diagnostic connector, while 2014+ Vantage S models use MG1CS023 with updated firmware. Service parts require model-year verification—high-pressure fuel pumps for pre-2014 engines are not compatible with S-spec units due to revised internal design per AMB-TB-2013-004.
The AE17's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2013 indicated a measurable number of pre-2014 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows misfire-related faults in vehicles with poor maintenance. Short trips and low-load operation increase thermal stress and oil degradation, making high-quality oil and regular highway runs critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013–2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE17.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with ASTON-MARTIN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialASTON-MARTIN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
