What's all this about?

It's Aston Martin's way of sticking two fingers up at the current wave of electrification that's sweeping the new-car market, by introducing a brand-new twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine.

But I thought car makers had to start building EVs?

While it's true that mainstream car makers have electric vehicle quotas to fill, Aston Martin is considered a low-volume manufacturer, so there's more leniency in terms of legislation. Hence the introduction of a new hand-built V12, which can produce up to 835hp and a massive 1,000Nm of torque according to its maker.

Crikey, those are some big numbers.

They certainly are, and for the moment they're the only ones that Aston Martin has quoted, although there's more information about what has been done to achieve those figures.

Starting with the V12 from the DBS, Aston Martin's engineers have created a stiffer block and conrods for the pistons, while the overhead cam set-up features revised cylinder heads and reprofiled camshafts. The unit is twin turbocharged as before, but the new turbos can rev higher and have lower inertia to help boost throttle response. These work in conjunction with reflowed inlet and exhaust ports, while high-rate fuel injectors are said to boost fuel flow. There's no confirmation on the gearbox that's set to be used, but the DBS Superleggera features an eight-speed automatic from ZF, so that seems a likely addition.

Sounds like a thorough reworking. Speaking of sound...

Aston Martin released a YouTube video of the new V12 at its launch featuring the unit revving with the usual exhaust crackles and pops of a potent powertrain. As well as confirming the unit's sound, the title of the video - All Will Be Vanquished - gives a big clue as to where we can expect the new V12 to turn up.

So, there's a new Aston Vanquish on the way?

While Aston Martin hasn't officially confirmed as such, all indications point towards that being the case. This would be the third Aston Martin Vanquish, following on from the Ian Callum-designed 2001 original and the DBS-derived second-generation car from 2012. Both cars also came with V12 power, albeit in naturally aspirated guise.

Aston Martin tells us that the new V12 will make its first appearance in a new flagship later in 2024, although it also confirmed that the unit will feature in the company's "most exclusive and limited-availability models".

Speaking at the engine's unveiling, Aston Martin's chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli said: "The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess. With 835hp and 1,000Nm of torque this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin."