The Aston Martin AJ-V8 Gen III is a 4,230 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features a 90° V8 configuration, DOHC valvetrain, and Ford/Jaguar-derived port fuel injection, delivering 250 kW (340 PS) and 410 Nm of torque. Its compact design and responsive throttle were engineered for agile grand touring dynamics, with a redline of 6,500 rpm.
Fitted to the DB9, V8 Vantage, and Rapide, this engine was adapted from the Ford-sourced AJ-V8 family and modified for longitudinal mounting. Emissions compliance was achieved through precision fuel mapping and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 4 certification across all markets. The all-aluminium construction contributes to low mass and improved weight distribution, enhancing chassis balance.
One documented concern is premature inlet manifold runner actuator wear, noted in Technical Service Bulletin AMB-TB-2007-003. This can result in uneven airflow distribution, leading to idle instability and reduced low-end torque. From 2008, Aston Martin introduced revised actuator materials and updated ECU calibration to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2005–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Aston Martin AJ-V8 Gen III is a 4,230 cc V8 petrol engine developed from Ford/Jaguar's AJ-V8 platform (2005–2012). It features a 90° V8 layout with dual overhead camshafts and sequential port fuel injection, delivering responsive throttle characteristics and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances compact packaging with performance-oriented engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,230 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
| Power output | 250 kW (340 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 410 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Ford sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| 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 | 198 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers smooth, linear 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-2008 models should have inlet manifold actuators inspected per AMB-TB-2007-003; post-2008 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-2005-01). Meets ACEA A3/B4 and BMW LL-01 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all models (2005–2012) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across production run (Aston Martin TIS AM-AJ3-PEP).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-AJ3-01, AM-AJ3-04, AMB-TB-2007-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin AJ-V8 Gen III was used in the DB and VB platforms with longitudinal mounting and developed under Ford/Jaguar collaboration. This engine received platform-specific tuning—optimized intake manifolds in the V8 Vantage and revised exhaust headers in facelifted variants—and from 2008 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-AJ3-ID1). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for V8 series). Pre-2008 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2008 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from Vantage S variants: Original AJ-V8 Gen III uses Ford ECU with circular diagnostic connector, while 2008+ Vantage S models use updated firmware. Service parts require model-year verification—inlet actuators for pre-2008 engines are not compatible with S-spec units due to revised internal gear design per AMB-TB-2007-003.
The AJ-V8 Gen III's primary reliability risk is inlet manifold runner actuator wear, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2007 indicated a measurable number of pre-2008 engines requiring actuator replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows idle-related faults in stop-start urban driving. 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 (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AJ-V8-GEN-III.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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