The Aston Martin Cosworth 7.3L V12 is a 7,301 cc, naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth Engineering between 1992 and 2000. It features a 60° V12 configuration, DOHC valvetrain, and sequential fuel injection, producing 386 kW (525 PS) and 530 Nm of torque. Its high-revving character and smooth power delivery were engineered for grand touring performance, with a redline of 6,800 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the DB7 V12 and later the DB7 Vantage, this engine was designed to deliver refined, effortless performance and a distinctive exhaust note. Emissions compliance was achieved through precision fuel mapping and secondary air injection, enabling Euro 2 and later Euro 3 certification depending on model year. The all-aluminium block and quad-cam design reflect Cosworth’s motorsport heritage.
One documented concern is degradation of the engine management system's wiring harness insulation, noted in Technical Service Bulletin AMB-TB-1998-012. This can lead to intermittent misfires and ECU communication faults. From 1999, Aston Martin introduced revised high-temperature insulation materials and relocated heat-sensitive connectors to mitigate the issue.
Production years 1992–1996 meet Euro 2 standards; 1997–2000 models comply with Euro 3 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Aston Martin Cosworth 7.3L V12 is a 7,301 cc naturally aspirated petrol engine co-developed with Cosworth Engineering (1992–2000). It features a 60° V12 layout with dual overhead camshafts per bank and sequential fuel injection, delivering high-revving performance and linear power progression. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances traditional grand touring refinement with modern engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 7,301 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 100.0 mm | |
| Power output | 386 kW (525 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 530 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Siemens sequential port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (pre-1997); Euro 3 (1997–2000) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual belt (front-mounted, requires strict interval maintenance) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin M-spec 10W-60 | |
| Dry weight | 285 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 delivers smooth, high-RPM power ideal for grand touring but requires adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using M-spec 10W-60 to maintain camshaft and belt longevity. The front-mounted dual timing belts must be replaced every 96 months or 120,000 km—failure to do so risks catastrophic engine damage. High-octane fuel (RON 95 minimum) is recommended for optimal combustion stability. Pre-1999 models should have wiring harness insulation inspected per AMB-TB-1998-012; post-1999 units feature revised materials. Engine longevity is highly dependent on consistent maintenance and avoidance of prolonged idling.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin M-spec 10W-60 (AMB-TB-1992-01). Meets ACEA A3/B4 and JASO MA standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 1997–2000 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Pre-1997 units meet Euro 2.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across production run (Aston Martin TIS AM-COS73-PEP).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-COS73-01, AM-COS73-04, AMB-TB-1998-012
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin Cosworth 7.3L V12 was used in the DB7 platform with longitudinal mounting and developed under joint Aston Martin-Cosworth engineering. This engine received platform-specific tuning—optimized intake manifolds in the DB7 Vantage and revised exhaust headers in facelifted variants—and from 1999 the updated DB7 V12 Vantage 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 right-hand side of the block near the front timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-COS73-ID1). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('V' for V12 series). Pre-1999 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-1999 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from later DB7 variants: Original Cosworth 7.3L uses Siemens MS2 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while 1999+ Vantage models use MS3 with updated firmware. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belt kits for pre-1999 engines are not compatible with Vantage-spec engines due to different tensioner design per AMB-TB-1998-012.
The Cosworth 7.3L V12's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 1998 indicated a measurable number of pre-1999 engines suffering belt degradation before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows ECU-related faults in vehicles with poor harness maintenance. Extended idling and infrequent servicing increase thermal stress and oil degradation, making high-quality oil and strict maintenance intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (1992–2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN COSWORTH-7-3L-V12.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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