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    Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed


    By Tim Pollard
    06 August 2008 11:20

    Aston Martin and Mercedes are plotting a wide-ranging tie-up that could see the two famous brands collaborate on engines, hybrids, transmission and even entire platforms, CAR can reveal. The top-secret partnership between Aston and Merc - dubbed Project Alligator by the Germans - is detailed in our exclusive story in the new September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine.

    The scoop includes the lowdown on:

    * How Mercedes engines could power future Aston Martins
    * AMG's 6.2-litre V8 tipped for Vantage models
    * Diesels and hybrids from Germany planned for Aston
    * Whole platforms to be shared by top-end models
    * Eight-speed Merc auto bound for British sports cars
    * Why Maybach and Aston could co-operate on future models

    We speak to the engineers and insiders who are working on Project Alligator and spill the beans on the secret project that will reshape future generations of Aston Martins. Plus our European editor Georg Kacher analyses what the shock news means for the industry.

    And don't forget the September 2008 issue of CAR Magazine comes with a free Supercars 2008 supplement, with an exclusive first UK test of the Ferrari F430 against the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and drives of the year's other key supercars.

    (anyone in UK who gets the mag, please scan or write some info here..thx)

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    I think they just turned on to the lotus expressway.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    The partnership between these two brands makes sense to the degree that both marques see themselves as the top cars in their respective categories. It's not like BMW working with Peugeot on the 1,6 turbo engine.

    Now the Vantage with 6,2 liter 520 hp would be very special. What happens with the planned Vantage RS? Since it is already finished, it will have a similar fate to the Superleggera.

    Only one problem. Why would Aston which likes to write "Handbuilt in Britain" on their cars suddenly go for a German engine?

    I bet that the nationality of Bez may have something to do with it.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    Quote:
    MarekN said:
    Only one problem. Why would Aston which likes to write "Handbuilt in Britain" on their cars suddenly go for a German engine?




    It could still be "handbuilt in Britain" using German parts.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    True, I know the engines are built in Cologne.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    I can't remember who it was exactly but someone mentioned that the Vantage looks nice
    but would be great with the Mercedes 6.2 V8 engine.
    Their wish may now be granted.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    Might as well have the Germans engineer all the British Brands. BMW has done a bang up job with Rolls and Mini. VW has ressurected Bentley. Mercedes now with Aston (though they did not need the help as much). Only stand out is Jag with Tata.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    This can only yield better products from Aston. Everyone knows Merc makes:

    - Transmissions that are excellent and industry standard in Sedans and GTs

    - Rock solid engines that although not super high tech, make tons of torque and are butter smooth.

    - Are far ahead on the diesel and hybrid curve than Aston could ever be.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    Quote:
    thuggy said:
    Might as well have the Germans engineer all the British Brands. BMW has done a bang up job with Rolls and Mini. VW has ressurected Bentley. Mercedes now with Aston (though they did not need the help as much). Only stand out is Jag with Tata.



    Remember also the work Audi did for Lamborghini, which was a hopeless case prior to the take over.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    Maybe I can do my own version and transplant my C63 engine into my Vantage.

    Seriously though, I will buy a Vantage that has a the 6.2 AMG engine. I guess this would mean that the Rapide will probably use the same engine.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    Oh, and think about it like this too. It means lower servicing cost for your Aston and Benz....

    More availability of parts, means easier to find and lower cost.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans revealed

    True for the above except diesel and hybrid for Aston. Hybrid Rapide maybe, since the Panamera will also be hybrid. But diesel? No way Jose. Just no. Please.

    Vantage 6,2 yes.
    Rapide 320 CDI no.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    Lately I wouldn't mind a little extra quality on my aston that MB would add... Fourth trip to the dealer in 10 months... At least this time I will throw a new exhaust on...

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    I'm just not sure what Aston could bring to MB?

    Further on, MB payed to much for their acquisition lessons, dont think they will do something like that in near future again.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    Quote:
    SciFrog said:
    Lately I wouldn't mind a little extra quality on my aston that MB would add... Fourth trip to the dealer in 10 months... At least this time I will throw a new exhaust on...



    SciFrog, what is your car - DB9 or V8 ? Thanks..

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    SciFrog, care to go into more detail? I am considering the Vantage 4,7.

    Thanks.

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    2008 AMV8 roadster with SportShift. Car needed a new sensor for the gearbox once, almost left me stranded. Then they had to replace the clutch and flywheel due to "bad batch of parts" from the factory, gas tank door wouldn't open properly, chrome door strip is not holding in place, and multiple rattles yet to be fixed (actually their last fix made it worse and the new rubber seal is getting unglued)... Last I scrapped the low part of the bumper, my bad

    Dealer experience has been fantastic though as they come pick up the car at the house with a flatbed and are very responsive. I think all these issue will be fixed by the time the car will be one year old. I don't regret one second buying the car, it is a fantastic ride and I love the SportShift now that it is working properly (the 09 model has a better one apparently). Car lacks a little bit of torque at low-mid rpm, but I hope the exhaust will help in that departement. the 4.7 engine helped there also on 09 apparently, but seeing how new 08 get discounted, they might be a better buy.

    http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php?Cat...true#Post387951

    Re: Aston Martin-Mercedes tie-up:secret plans reve

    Thanks for the info, these things are best told by people actually owning the car over time. No magazine can do that.

     
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