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.

via carmagazine