The Aston Martin J35A is a 3,473 cc, naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24-valve architecture, and Honda RDX engine management, delivering 195 kW (265 PS) and 339 Nm of torque. This engine was sourced from Honda and adapted by Aston Martin for longitudinal mounting in the V8 Vantage, combining reliability with refined performance.
Fitted exclusively to the first-generation V8 Vantage (2005–2008), the J35A was engineered for balanced performance, smooth power delivery, and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled catalytic converters and engine calibration, meeting Euro 4 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented update is the transition to revised intake manifolds and ECU mapping in 2007, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-14 05 07. This change improved throttle response and mid-range torque delivery. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Aston Martin J35A is a 3,473 cc V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine adapted from Honda's J-series platform for sports car applications (2005–2008). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with Honda RDX engine management to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4, it balances everyday usability with spirited driving dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,473 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 195 kW (265 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 339 Nm @ 4,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Honda RDX port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-50) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 design provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain valvetrain longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-05 (5W-50) is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection of high-RPM components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Honda RDX ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2007 models feature revised intake manifolds and ECU tuning; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 95+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation under sustained high-load conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-05 (5W-50) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 06 05). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2008 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 95+ fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-J35A-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-J35A-2005, SIB 14 05 07, SIB 16 06 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin J35A was used exclusively in the V8 Vantage platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—reinforced engine mounts and modified exhaust routing—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues. The engine was phased out in 2008 with the introduction of the in-house VH420 V8.
Locate the engine identification plate stamped on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-J35A-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for J35A series). All units feature silver valve covers with black trim. Critical differentiation from later engines: J35A is naturally aspirated with no turbochargers or intercoolers; the successor VH420 engine has a different block architecture and distributor placement. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for 2007+ models are not interchangeable with earlier units (Aston Martin SIB 14 05 07).
The J35A's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in low-speed urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2010 noted a moderate share of pre-2007 units showing reduced airflow by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven V8 Vantage models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN J35A.
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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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