The Aston Martin C30A is a 3,012 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 1993 and 2000. It features a quad — cam, 32 — valve configuration with Bosch Motronic fuel injection, delivering 243 kW (330 PS) in its final iteration. This engine was developed in collaboration with Honda and is based on the Honda C30A engine used in the NSX, adapted for grand touring applications with revised intake, exhaust, and engine management.
Fitted to the Aston Martin Lagonda Taragon and prototyp…
Production years 1993–1995 meet Euro 2 standards; 1996–2000 models comply with Euro 3 depending on market .
The Aston Martin C30A is a 3,012 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for high-performance grand touring applications (1993–2000). It combines quad-cam 32-valve architecture with Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver linear power and high-rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 2 and Euro 3, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,012 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 60.5 mm | |
Power output | 243 kW (330 PS) @ 7,300 rpm | |
Torque | 310 Nm @ 5,300 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ML4.1 sequential fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 (pre-1996); Euro 3 (1996–2000) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Belt-driven (dual overhead camshafts) | |
Oil type | Castrol GTX 15W-50 (Specification AM-SPEC-001) | |
Dry weight | 198 kg |
The Aston Martin C30A was used in limited-production Lagonda Taragon and Virage prototypes with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received model-specific tuning-aggressive throttle mapping in the Virage Prototype and revised exhaust tuning in the Taragon-and from 1996 the facelifted Taragon adopted updated tappet materials and oil galleries, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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The C30A's primary reliability risk is hydraulic tappet wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 1998 indicated a notable number of pre-1996 engines requiring tappet replacement before 80,000 miles, while VCA records show related valve train noise and performance loss in non-serviced vehicles. Extended service intervals and low-quality oil increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The C30A offers refined performance but early models (1993–1995) are prone to hydraulic tappet wear if maintenance is delayed. Post-1996 revisions significantly improved durability. With strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 12,000 miles) and use of Castrol GTX 15W-50, well-maintained examples can exceed 120,000 miles reliably.
Key issues include hydraulic tappet wear (especially pre-1996), intake manifold flap failure, coolant leaks from thermostat housing, and valve cover oil seepage. These are documented in Aston Martin service bulletins and affect long-term ownership costs if not proactively addressed.
The C30A was used in the Lagonda Taragon (1993–2000) and Virage prototype (1995–1997). It is a Honda-derived V8 adapted for Aston Martin's grand touring application. Most units meet Euro 2, with later Taragon models complying with Euro 3.
Limited tuning potential exists via ECU remapping, typically yielding +20–30 kW. However, the naturally aspirated design and high compression limit gains. Supporting mods like exhaust and cam upgrades are costly. Most owners prioritise reliability over power increases due to engine complexity and value preservation.
Moderate for a naturally aspirated V8 GT. In Lagonda Taragon form, expect ~19 mpg UK (14.8 L/100km) combined. Highway cruising can achieve ~23 mpg UK, while city driving may drop to 15 mpg UK. Real-world consumption depends heavily on driving style. Requires 98 RON premium petrol for optimal performance.
Yes. The C30A is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, pistons will contact open valves, resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Regular inspection and replacement of the timing belt per TIS guidelines is essential to prevent costly repairs.
Aston Martin specifies Castrol GTX 15W-50 meeting AM-SPEC-001. This high-temperature-stability oil is critical for protecting the hydraulic tappets and valve train. Change every 12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, to maintain engine longevity and prevent wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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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