Aston Martin may use Mercedes-Benz hybrid technology

With Aston Martin now no longer wholly owned by Ford, they are free to look elsewhere for help with powertrain technology. There have been rumors for the past couple of months that future Astons might use Mercedes Benz powertrains in place of the current Ford-designed V-12s and V-8s. The onset of carbon dioxide emissions limits in Europe and Aston's limited resources means they're looking to some of their competitors to help. Fortunately Mercedes happens to have a new mild hybrid system that might be just the ticket for the British GTs. The Two-Mode hybrid is probably too big and heavy for Aston Martin but the more compact mild system would be a lot easier to package. With Porsche adding a hybrid system to their upcoming Panamera, the similar Rapide would probably be the best candidate for a hybrid setup when it debuts in a couple of years.

[Source: Left Lane News]