The Aston Martin VB6E is a 5,935 cc, V12 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It powers flagship grand tourers with a focus on smooth power delivery and high-end refinement. Featuring quad-cam, 48-valve architecture and variable valve timing, it delivers up to 380 kW (510 PS) and 600 Nm of torque, enabling grand touring performance with effortless acceleration.
Fitted to models such as the DB9, V8 Vantage (early prototypes), and DBS, the VB6E was engineered for refined high-speed cruising and driver engagement. Its naturally aspirated design prioritizes linear power delivery and acoustic quality, meeting Euro 4 emissions standards through precise fuel mapping and secondary air injection systems.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear in early-production units, highlighted in Aston Martin Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-018. This issue correlates with extended oil change intervals and inadequate warm-up cycles. Revisions to camshaft material and lubrication pathways were implemented in 2008, improving long-term durability.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2012 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Aston Martin VB6E is a 5,935 cc V12 naturally aspirated engine engineered for grand touring applications (2005–2012). It combines quad-cam 48-valve architecture with variable valve timing to deliver linear power and high-rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 and later Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,935 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 380 kW (510 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 600 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2009); Euro 5 (2009–2012) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (twin-row, duplex chain) | |
| Oil type | Castrol Edge 5W-50 (Specification AM-SPEC-002) | |
| Dry weight | 247 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 provides linear throttle response and high-rpm refinement ideal for grand touring, but demands strict adherence to 12,000-mile oil change intervals to prevent camshaft wear. Castrol Edge 5W-50 meeting AM-SPEC-002 is critical due to its high-shear stability protecting the duplex timing chain. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure oil pressure stabilises before high-load operation. Fuel system longevity depends on regular use of high-octane (98 RON) petrol to prevent injector coking. Post-2008 units feature revised cam profiles and lubrication circuits; pre-2008 engines should be inspected per TSB-ENG-018 for wear indicators.
Oil Specs: Requires Castrol Edge 5W-50 meeting AM-SPEC-002 (Aston Martin SIB 08 05 03). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2009 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance confirmed for 2009–2012 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 98 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. VB6E-PERF-01).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VB6E-ENG-01, VB6E-FUEL-05, TSB-ENG-018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin VB6E was used across Aston Martin's DB series platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake manifolds in the DB9 and revised exhaust tuning in the DBS-and from 2008 the facelifted DBS models adopted increased valve lift and cam timing revisions, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block, near the front cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS VB6E-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for V12). Pre-2008 models have silver cam covers with 'Aston Martin' script; post-2008 DBS units feature black cam covers with 'DBS' badges. Critical differentiation from later AM11 engines: VB6E uses Bosch ME7.1.1 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while AM11 uses Siemens MS4.2 with circular port. Service parts require model-year verification - timing chains for pre-2008 engines are incompatible with post-facelift DBS due to duplex chain redesign (Aston Martin TSB-ENG-018).
The VB6E's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent cold starts. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 2009 indicated a significant number of pre-2008 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 80,000 miles, while VCA records show related oil consumption issues in non-serviced vehicles. Short-trip cycles and delayed warm-up increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2005-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN VB6E.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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