| The need for a larger
faster engine became progressively more apparent toward the end
of the 1950s. The V12 designed by Aston's chief engineer Eberan
von Eberhorst required a re-design and Ason Martin needed a faster
more powerful engine than the straight six if it was going to maintain
its performance standards.
Tarek Marek was set the task of developing the V8
for not only the new production cars but also to enable Aston Martin
to continue its racing heritage. The V8 was designed using as many
components from the six cylinder as possible and was originally
destined for racing in the DP215, which was only ever raced with
the straight six.
The first engine was completed in July 1965 and produced
275bhp@6000rpm which was later increased to 297bhp. This was further
increased to 325bhp by the addition of an AE-Brico fuel injection
system. Ironically, it was the DB5
that was to be the recipient of the first V8 and produced the performance
that Aston Martin were looking for.
The V8 went on from there to be used in the Lola T70
MKIII GT in 1967 at the Nurburgring where the broken supsension
marred its debut on the 7th lap and finally made its way into the
DBSV8 in 1969 with a capacity
of 5340cc and 315BHP.
|
