Mercedes-Benz may have parted ways with McLaren, but the German automaker isn’t quite done with supercar tie-ups just yet. According to a new report, Mercedes is planning a partnership with Aston Martin that would include engine and transmission collaborations, hybrid technology development and even platform sharing.
Per a Car Magazine report, the top secret tie-up – which Mercedes has dubbed Project Alligator – would see Aston Martin using Mercedes engines, including AMG’s 6.2L V8 for use in Vantage models. Project Alligator would also allow Aston Martin access to Mercedes-Benz’ hybrid and diesel technologies, as well as Merc’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
In order to cut costs for both marques, the plan also calls for Aston and Mercedes to share platforms on range-topping models.
Mercedes’ ultra-luxury brand, Maybach, would also benefit from the tie-up as Project Alligator also includes plans for Aston Martin/Maybach cooperation on future models. We quite fancy the idea of a Maybach-badged Rapide.
08/06, 3:47 PM
posted by:
zeeck
not sure how i feel about this yet, hopefully merc won’t go for doing anything more than just the sharing, i like aston the way it is
08/06, 3:50 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I don’t understand the need for this from Aston point of view: they sell cars and do it well. Why look for Zetsche troubles? This Dr. has a penchant for screwing his patients.
08/06, 3:52 PM
posted by:
SickofGarbageMotors
Wow, two of my favorite companies working together. This is awesome. Only question is how the engine thing is going to work out. Because Aston engines are absolutley gorgeous at WOT and Merc engines are certainly no slouch either, especially the AMG’s.
08/06, 4:23 PM
posted by:
04focus
I’m guessing that Aston wants a deal to get out of having to buy the Duratec 30 (doubled-up for the V12) and the AJ V8 from Ford…
08/06, 4:34 PM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
if anyone they should be teaming up with BMW, at least they have manuals
08/06, 4:43 PM
posted by:
whips001
what the hell is the deal with the Rapide anyway when is it coming out.? Aston’s styling and design are cool but boring as hell (just like porsche) hopefully benz will help them get their sh!t together
08/06, 4:48 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
I was happy enough when Ford and Aston separated (come on, who wants a Ford-based engine in a $100k+ car?) I’m excited to see what they can come up with. I am hoping for a supercar badged by Mercedes and Aston. No doubt Mclaren will go to BMW for an engine for their next uber-coupe. German-British collaboration
08/06, 7:42 PM
posted by:
geralddasylva
I could really see a Lagonda sharing Maybach technology. Or was the Lagonda part of the deal with Ford?
08/06, 8:05 PM
posted by:
Astonman12
i do not want a ****in MB engine in an aston martin. unacceptable.
08/06, 11:13 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Any partnership that involves more than $20 and the back of a cab is more trouble than it’s worth.
08/07, 7:20 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
qpt_dude:
People who bought the Ford GT…
Koenigsegg’s original lot
And to a lesser, cheaper, extent the Caterham cossies and Nobles of the world.
08/07, 10:43 AM
posted by:
moto-racer13
I think this would be a great partnership.
08/07, 1:19 PM
posted by:
Scarface03
Sounds like a partnership that Aston Martin should be boasting about. Merc gets the VH platform, AM gets just about everything else. Although the 6.2L in the Vantage is a superb idea.
08/07, 8:10 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
I, for one, don’t think a rebadged Maybach Rapide is a good idea. Leave it to LLNs expert product planners to taint what could be a mutually beneficial technological partnership with simplistic ideas like badge engineering.
08/08, 2:30 AM
posted by:
DriveCritic
The biggest loser in all this appears to be McLaren.
—-
This post has been listed on http://www.DriveCritic.com/
09/06, 2:45 AM
posted by:
VWgrouP
NO NO NO
DONT DO IT ASTON MARTIN!
10/14, 7:26 AM
posted by:
BMW M1
ummm, if its a partnership what does Aston bring to the table???
The design and engines of each company will remain with them. AMG also has V12s and V8s. I can see Aston getting access to a lot of new tech., whether its related to Hybrids or transmissions etc..
McLaren will once again go back to BMW for engines, hopefully someone at McLaren will now wantsto make a true successor to the McLaren F1.