Appearing in September 1969, the V8 version of the Aston Martin DB S inaugurated the new 8-cylinder engine developed by engineer Tadek Marek. The general line was the same as the 6-cylinder DB S. The 5300cc engine had an output of around 310-320 horsepower. Serial production of the V8 began in April 1970. In 1972 the DB S V8 became simply the V8, continuing its career until 1989.