The Aston Martin V540 Twin-Turbo Petrol is a 5,340 cc, 90° V12 engine produced from 2018 to 2024. It features twin-scroll turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. Delivering 503 kW (680 PS) and 750 Nm of torque, it provides exceptional power delivery with improved low-end responsiveness over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to the DB11 V12, DBS Superleggera, and DB12, the V540 was engineered for grand touring performance with enhanced drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved via gasoline particulate filters (GPF), adaptive ignition control, and secondary air injection, enabling Euro 6d-Full compliance across all markets from launch in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented engineering update is the transition from Bosch MED 17.7.3 to MED 9.1 ECU calibration in 2021, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin AM-SIB-18-004. This revision improved throttle response and knock resistance. From 2022, revised turbocharger housings reduced backpressure and enhanced transient response, particularly in the DB12 application.
All V540 Twin-Turbo Petrol units (2018–2024) meet Euro 6d-Full emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8890).
The Aston Martin V540 Twin-Turbo Petrol is a 5,340 cc 90° V12 engineered for high-performance grand touring (2018–2024). It combines twin-scroll turbocharging with direct injection to deliver linear power delivery and improved low-end torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d-Full standards, it balances flagship performance with regulated emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,340 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 503 kW (680 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 1,500–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-Full | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin Garrett GTX3567R twin-scroll units | |
| Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin M-spec 0W-20 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 286 kg |
The twin-scroll turbocharging provides strong low-end torque ideal for grand touring but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using AM M-spec 0W-20 oil to ensure chain and turbo longevity. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system demands premium unleaded fuel (RON 98 minimum) to prevent knock and injector coking. GPF-equipped models require periodic high-load regeneration to maintain backpressure levels. The 2021 ECU update (MED 9.1) improved throttle response; pre-2021 models should have calibration updated per AM-SIB-18-004. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on intake valves, making periodic cleaning advisable.
Oil Specs: Requires AM M-spec 0W-20 specification (AM SIB AM-SIB-18-004). Supersedes ACEA C5 standards for GPF compatibility.
Emissions: Euro 6d-Full certification applies to all V540 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8890), compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and WLTP testing procedures.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585. Output maintained across temperature ranges with adaptive ECU tuning (Aston Martin TIS Doc. A540V12-01).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A540V12-01, A540V12-02, SIB AM-SIB-18-004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Aston Martin V540 Twin-Turbo Petrol was used across Aston Martin's DB11/DBS/DB12 platforms with longitudinal mounting and bespoke engine management calibration per model. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the DBS Superleggera and revised intake tuning in the DB12-and from 2021 the updated ECU calibration (MED 9.1) improved throttle response and knock resistance. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Aston Martin TIS A540V12-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('V' for V12 series). All V540 units have black valve covers with silver Aston Martin badges. Critical differentiation from older naturally aspirated V12s: V540 features twin turbochargers (Garrett GTX3567R), GPFs, and Bosch MED 9.1 ECU (post-2021). Service parts require production date verification—turbochargers and ECUs before 06/2021 are incompatible with later revisions due to calibration and hardware updates per AM-SIB-18-004.
The V540's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Aston Martin service reports from 2022 noted a significant number of pre-2022 units requiring intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records associate GPF-related faults with short-trip driving. Extended idling and poor fuel quality increase carbon and backpressure, making high-load operation and premium fuel critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2018–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN V540-TWIN-TURBO.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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