<Dl> <Dt> Aston Martin </Dt> </Dl> <P> The V8s used in Aston Martins from 1969 to 2000 were based on an internal design by Tadek Marek and were used extensively in a variety of models, starting with the 1969 DBS V8, followed by the Vantage, Virage, plus Volante convertible versions amongst others . After the Vantage was discontinued in 2000, there were no V8 models until the introduction in 2005 of a hand - built dry - sump version of Jaguar's AJ - V8 with 4.3 L (262 cu in). The block, heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system and engine management are all unique to the Aston Martin . It was used in the V8 Vantage . In 2008, capacity was increased to 4.7 L (287 cu in) by using pressed cylinder liners instead of cast - in liners . Aston Martin has since sourced its engines, both V8s as well as V12s, from American manufacturer Ford with additional future engine supply from Germany's Mercedes - Benz . </P> <Dl> <Dt> Autovia </Dt> </Dl> <P> A subsidiary of Riley, Autovia was launched in 1936 with a 2.9 L (177 cu in) 90 ° V8 to take on the likes of Rolls - Royce and Bentley . The triple camshaft engine was developed from a pair of 11⁄2 - litre Riley engine blocks . </P>

What does the v in v8 stand for